Pride Park FC’s Women’s 1st Team have been handed a landmark fixture in the 2nd Round of the East Midlands Women’s Regional League Cup after being drawn against Doncaster Rovers Belles—one of the most storied and iconic names in the history of English women’s football.

A Contrast of Journeys
For Pride Park Women, whose journey began when the senior setup was formed in 2014, when Doncaster Rovers belles were still a WSL team, visiting a club of their stature represents a milestone occasion.

Over the past two decades, Pride Park has steadily built its foundation, creating pathways for girls and women in local football through commitment, grassroots community spirit, and player development. Being drawn in the same competition as the Belles is a tangible symbol of how far the club has travelled in a relatively short timeframe.

Who Are the Belles? History & Achievements
The Belles are one of English women's football's most famous and successful clubs, being one of only three non-London teams to have won the FA Women's Premier League National Division, the forerunner of the WSL, in 1992 and 1994. Founded in 1969 they have also won the Women's FA Cup six times and reached the final on a further seven occasions.

Formed in 1969 as Belle Vue Belles, Doncaster Rovers Belles were a powerhouse of English women’s football throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Major Honours

• 6× FA Women's Cup Winners: (1983, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994)

• 13 FA Cup Final Appearances

• 2× WPL National Division Champions: (1991–92, 1993–94

• FA WSL Founder Member: Selected as one of the original 8 clubs in the top flight when the WSL launched in 2011



Legendary Players
The Belles have produced or developed some of the most recognisable figures in Lionesses history:

• Gillian Coultard MBE: The legendary Belles midfielder was the first woman to earn 100 caps for England and is a member of the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
• Karen Walker: One of the most prolific goalscorers in English women's football history, scoring over 100 goals for England and the Belles.
• Debbie Bampton MBE: Captained England and joined Belles towards the end of her career.
• Modern Lionesses: England stars such as Millie Bright, Mary Earps, and Bethany England all spent critical developmental years wearing the famous Belles yellow and blue.
• Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Lucy Ward are amongst Belles alumni to now have high profile roles in broadcasting as pundits and co-commentators. 


What This Draw Represents for Pride Park
Cup competitions are renowned for bringing together teams from completely different eras and origins. For Pride Park, facing Doncaster Rovers Belles isn't just another fixture on the calendar—it's a benchmark moment: sharing a cup stage with a former national champion underlines the standard Pride Park has reached since its inaugural 2014 season.

Match Details

• Match: Doncaster Rovers Belles v Pride Park Women
• Competition: East Midlands Regional League Cup – 2nd Round
• Venue: Club Doncaster Sports Village, Stadium Way, Doncaster DN4 5JW
• Date: Sunday, 8th November
• Kick-off: 2pm