IN LOVING MEMORY OF BILL SHAW

[TonyDart]

In Loving Memory of Bill Shaw

In 2018, Bill took his beloved London Corinthians (Girls) team to Dartford FC, establishing what is now Dartford FC Women. To this day, players from Bill’s original team are still part of Dartford FC Women, a testament to his vision and dedication.
His legacy lives on in every player who continues to take to the pitch.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a man who touched so many lives in ways words can’t explain. Bill Shaw was so much more than a chairman, manager, coach, and bus driver. He was the heartbeat of our team, a mentor, and a grandad figure to countless girls and women whose lives he shaped forever.
Bill didn’t just build a football team; he built a family. He created a space where girls & women felt safe, supported. He poured his soul into ensuring that we had the best opportunities, the best memories, and the best years of our lives.
Looking back, it’s clear: those were the best times, and Bill was the reason why. Women’s and girls’ football brought him immeasurable joy, and in turn, he gave us joy, confidence, and a love for the game that will last a lifetime.
Bill was more than a coach; he was our biggest supporter, our greatest encourager, and the one who always showed up for us—no matter what. He never let us down, and his memory never will.
Thank you, Bill, for everything. For your moaning , your kindness, and your unwavering belief in us. The world is a little dimmer without you, but your light will shine on in every life you’ve touched.
Rest easy, Bill. You will forever be in our hearts.

Chairman Bill Shaw, seen here with coach Paul Taylor

[TonyDart]

In the weeks immediately after the Christmas and New Year break, the weather was bleak and damp although spirits were lifted with the Darts’ resounding 6-4 League Cup win at Aylesford. Then the weather turned cold and icy with heavy frosts which put paid to Darts’ opening league fixture of 2025.

The days were suddenly darkened with the sad news of the passing of Bill Shaw. Bill had been at the forefront of negotiating the merger between F.C. London Ladies (London Corinthians LFC) and Dartford FC Ladies, which took place in 2018.

The news of Bill’s passing was posted on the Dartford FC Women’s Facebook page, and a most beautiful and fitting tribute was paid to him.

Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill in person. But I recall going over to Princes Park in the hope of chatting to him, this was in 2020 when Covid-19 first raised its ugly head, but I was fortunate enough to meet up with one of the Dart's players. That just happened to be - JADE CHARLTON.

Jade's enthusiasm and love for the game was really quite exhilarating - and catching!. I remember being totally impressed with her commitment to Dartford FC Women, but also her love for Bill, and London Corinthians that he had run for so many years.

I would have loved to have met Bill, but I did manage to have some longish conversations with him over the phone, but due to Covid, we couldn't meet up. As it turned out, that meeting with Bill remained elusive. Jade told me that Bill had found it hard and never got over losing his beloved wife, Joyce.

Here, the London Corinthian Girls remember Joyce by wearing her image on their shirts.

Thanks to Jade for supplying me with the photo.

[TonyDart]

Caption and all players named of London Corinthians F.C. 2017-18:-

Photo taken 26th March 2018 before the Kent Reliance Women’s Cup Final with Kent Football United at Phoenix Sports F.C.
The shirts were in memory of the late Joyce Shaw, Bill’s wife, who sadly had passed away a few weeks earlier.

Back row, left to right: Megan Mansfield, Rachel Moore, Laura Susaeta Martinez, Jade Charlton, Emily Read,
Lizzie Adams, Darcey Charlesworth, Sarah Smith
Front row, left to right: Isabelle Michalski, Alicia Gibbs, Hayley Mansfield, Adele Keech, Verity Snow-Burgess,
Kirsty Cameron, Sophie Elder

[Ajaxman DFC]

Great read Tony. Nicely put together.

[Ring of fire]

Thanks for the infos on the late Bill Shaw, the Godfather of Dartford F.C.Women, it seems. Does a Bill Shaw Trophy exist, for the end of season presentation?

[TonyDart]

That's a great idea. We can mention it to Jade & Co tomorrow