IN the absence of men's football, women's teams sprang up across the country to entertain a war-weary nation, with the Dick, Kerr's Ladies Football Club becoming the most famous.

Formed in 1917 in Preston, Lancashire, they attracted crowds of 50,000, growing so popular that the Football Association tried to ban them after the First World War was over. One hundred years later it is time their story was told, and York company Off The Rock Productions will do exactly that by presenting Benjamin Peel's play Not A Game For Girls at Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, from tonight (June 15) until Sunday.

Directed by Alison Young with assistance from Mick Hickman, sound design by Alexander King, music direction by Samantha Hindman, set design by Paul Mason, costumes by Carly Brown and photography by Hannah Argyle, this multi-media production comprises theatre, song, dance and specially-recorded film sequences. The footage features people with learning difficulties and was filmed by Blue Tomato Studio, a new film company led by Simon Copper, of United Response.

"It’s our most ambitious production to date," says producer Matthew Wignall, who will play the role of Jack Holmes. "It incorporates photographs and film footage of specially shot football matches as well as singing, dancing and matches that take place on stage.

York Press:

On the ball: Laura Castle as Lily Parr

"It's also the first time that Off The Rock has engaged with a specific historical period, namely 1917 to 1921. The play itself revolves around ladies football but it's about so much more than that. It’s a story about resilience, fortitude and striving against all odds. The fact that it actually happened makes it all the more poignant and affecting. I’m very excited to be part of this production in the centenary year of the Dick, Kerr’s Ladies Football Club."

Laura Castle will play pioneering winger Lily Parr, the first woman to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. "Lily is stubborn as anything. Football is her passion and knowing that playing is the only way to get out of her small, rough neighbourhood, she doesn't care who she has to tackle to get to the top," she says.

"However, there's a vulnerable side to Lily; she particularly struggles with her sexuality, which in turn has an effect on her mood throughout. On face value, she may seem blunt and moody, however she truly does have a heart of gold. It just takes other people's kindness to bring out her own."

Reflecting on the play's storyline, Laura says: "This story is truly one of empowerment, passion and honesty. These women fought the hard fight for equal rights, and I believe it's time their story was heard. I feel privileged to be a part of the re-telling of the story."

York Press:

Hannah Jade Robbins in the role of Alice Woods

Hannah Jade Robbins will take on the role of Alice Woods, a miner's daughter, sprinter and footballer, who was "as fast as a miner's whippet". "Alice is much conflicted between a pressuring religious parent and pursuing her football dreams. She faces friendship challenges and falls in love in the midst of all her conflict," she says.

"The play takes an inspirational journey through the life and times of the Dick, Kerr’s Ladies Football Club, as it depicts the popularity and pressures of woman's football, while exploring the personal side of each girl’s life."

Wignall, Castle and Robbins will be joined in Young's cast by Kirsty Edwards, Sonia Di Lorenzo; Georgia Smith; Keir Brown; Samantha Hindman, Victoria Delaney; Richard Thirlwall; Natalie-Clare Brimicombe and Guy Matthews.

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening performances and 2.30pm Sunday matinee are on sale at £10, concessions £8, at ridinglights.org or on 01904 613000. The sum of £1 from every ticket sold will go to United Response, a charity that helps people with learning disabilities and mental-health needs to live in the community.