In the early 20th century, women's football grew almost as quickly as the men's game, and reached new heights when the nation's men left for the First World War. However, in 1921 the Football Association took the decision to ban women's football, essentially outlawing the game in England. This ban set back the burgeoning women's game.

We are indebted to Anne Corry, a Plymouth historian and researcher, for her detailed help, to Katie Middleton the former captain of Argyle Women and the present captain Giota Papaioannou for their contributions, and to David Williamson author of the first book published on women's football "Belles of the Ball" (1991) for his interest and ongoing help.