Manchester Corinthians: Making a mark in Venezuela | OneFootball

Continuing our series on the pioneering Manchester Corinthians women’s team, Gary James talks about the Corinthians’ trophy success in South America during 1960.

Over sixty years ago, City fan Margaret Whitworth returned from Venezuela after major trophy success. She represented all that was good about Manchester and football.

Margaret was a key member of the pioneering Manchester Corinthians women’s team that toured the world promoting female participation, football and our city.

BUY MANCHESTER CORINTHIANS: THE AUTHORISED HISTORY

It’s been a relatively hidden story for years but now, thanks to the efforts of Margaret and other Corinthians, the stories have been documented.

Gary James' new book on the Corinthians tells the story in detail with over fifty Corinthians voicing their experiences of playing for this remarkable club that should be regarded as a true Manchester institution.

Margaret had joined the club in the late 1950s and had participated in several fundraising games before the trip to South America.

Playing typically as an outside right, Margaret played before crowds of over 50,000 as the Corinthians won the first ‘Torneo Internacional De Futbol Femenino’ in Venezuela.

It was a major achievement and deserves to be remembered. It was the first time an English women’s team had found major success in South America.

"We were treated like film stars," says Whitworth.

"There were crowds everywhere we went. Playing in front of 56,000 was thrilling and the way women’s football was treated was so different to how it was back in England at the time.

"Here football was banned from FA affiliated grounds, and we had to play on park pitches or at other sports grounds, but there we played in major football stadiums."

MANCHESTER CORINTHIANS: THE DAY TRAUTMANN CALLED

Teams from Europe and South America participated in the tournament with the Corinthians winning the competition.

Margaret’s time in Venezuela included a visit to the country’s president and several promotional activities. Along with the other Corinthians, she was a proud ambassador for Manchester, demonstrating all that was good about the city.

Huge crowds flocked to see the tournament and other games played as part of a three-month-long South American tour.

Margaret even received a marriage proposal from one of the locals: "He followed us everywhere and then I got a telegram from him telling me how much he loved me. It was daft really!"

As we’ve seen in previous weeks, the Manchester Corinthians team was established during the 1948-49 season and Margaret was one of many City fans who played for them over the years.

Almost 65 years since she played her part in major success in South America, Margaret remains passionate about football.

She is a City season ticket holder and was a key member of the Corinthians for over a decade, taking part in many major successes as the club raised significant amounts for charity.

Together with Margaret Shepherd - a Corinthian who joined the club in the late 1960s and also played her part in major success in France during 1970 – Margaret Whitworth has been one of the Corinthians’ greatest ambassadors over the years.

Both Margaret's played a significant role working with Gary to establish a blue plaque campaign recognising the club a few years back and they have been major contributors in talks, events and other activities.

The blue plaque campaign proved successful, being erected at a wonderful celebration event at Fog Lane Park in October 2023.

In 2019 Margaret Whitworth and Margaret Shepherd were guests, alongside a few other Corinthians, at one of City’s WSL games. That day they met Karen Bardsley and talked passionately about their own experiences of playing football.

Today women’s football in England has grown significantly with City finding major success over the last few years.

None of this would have been possible without women like Margaret Whitworth and Margaret Shepherd who helped the Corinthians push the boundaries.

The Corinthians were not only great ambassadors for women’s football, but they were important pioneers too, adding to the prestige of our city.

Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History is available from all usual book retailers and can be ordered direct from Gary by clicking here.