This Sunday (5 October), Accrington Stanley Women’s Football Club will take to the field in a special edition pink strip for their Adobe Women’s FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Durham Cestria WFC. Kick-off is 2 pm at Accrington & Rossendale College 3G.
The new pink kit has been designed as a lasting tribute to Gill Bishop, a much-loved friend and supporter of the club. Gill was instrumental in introducing Stanley Women to e.l.f. Cosmetics and to her goddaughter, former Lioness, current Manchester City coach and Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christiansen. Gill sadly lost her long battle with cancer earlier this year, and the team will honour her memory this weekend at the very start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Throughout October, ASWFC will be sharing information, advice, and education around breast cancer — the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for around 15% of all new cancer cases and nearly 30% of cancers in women. The club will also welcome Samantha Lewis, founder and CEO of Sam’s Diamonds, during the month to help inspire and educate the local community on this important issue.
In addition, proceeds from every pink shirt sold will be donated to Gill’s chosen charities: St John’s Hospice, Lancaster and Maggie’s at The Christie, Manchester. Supporters can order the shirt via the club shop (https://asw.secure-decoration.com/ ), with a lead time of around 21 days. Everyone is encouraged to purchase their shirts, show their support, and help much-needed charities in time for ‘Wear It Pink Day’ on 24 October.
Chairperson Sami Smithson said:
“The players are very much looking forward to wearing the pink strip, which has proved to be quite the talking point after a fantastic launch video. To have a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who did so much for grassroots sports herself means a lot to the Club and, of course, me personally. I can’t wait for the team to wear their shirts with pride and fire their desire to win on Sunday. If our supporters want to help us turn the town pink, it would be great for them to purchase their shirts, show their support and also help much-needed and worthwhile charities ready for 24 October ‘Wear It Pink’ day.”
Sunday’s match will also see ASWFC welcome club sponsors and special guests to the Tiger Lounge, Accrington, after full-time. Gill’s husband Chris and their son Patrick, will attend as guests of honour, with an open invitation for sponsors to host stands or displays both at the ground and after the match. The initiative began after Sami’s interview on Radio Lancashire, which Gill and Chris heard — a moment that started the ripple effect leading to this special tribute.
In addition to this weekend’s game, every team at ASWFC will have the opportunity to wear the pink shirt during the season as the club’s ‘spotlight team of the week’, continuing to honour Gill’s legacy and promote awareness of breast cancer throughout the community.
On the pitch, the FA Cup clash promises to be a thrilling contest. Accrington Stanley Women will be looking to build on recent strong performances and progress further in the competition. Fans, families, and the wider community are encouraged to attend, support the team, and join in this meaningful celebration of Gill’s life and contribution to women’s grassroots sport.
Accrington Stanley Women vs Durham Cestria WFC
Adobe Women’s FA Cup – Third Qualifying Round
Sunday 5 October, 2 pm KO
Venue: Accrington & Rossendale College 3G
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