Barnet FC Ladies returned to the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division last season after a two-year absence and finished in a highly creditable fourth place as well as completing a hat trick of Middlesex County FA Women’s Senior Cup Final wins.
The origin of the club dates back to 1975, when it is was formed as District Line Ladies FC. The club’s formative years were spent in the Hounslow and District League (now the Greater London League). The team’s fortunes improved in 1981 with the arrival as team manager of John Jones, who guided the club through various tiers of the competition, John remained as manager until February 2004.
In 1991/92 District Line won the Greater London League Premier Division and were promoted to the Women’s National League Division One South. This Division was won at the first attempt in 1992/93 and the club was promoted to the Premier Division.
During the close season of 1993, the club entered into a partnership with Wembley FC and changed its name to Wembley Ladies FC. The club consolidated its position in the newly renamed FA Women’s Premier League National Division, finishing fourth in 1993/94 and fifth the following season.
In 1995/96 Wembley finished in fifth place in the League again, but the highlight came in winning the FA Women’s Premier League Cup, defeating Doncaster Belles on penalties in the final, which was played at Barnet FC.
The following year, 1996/97 Wembley reached the Final of the FA Women’s Cup, losing a tight match 0-1 against Millwall Lionesses at West Ham United FC.
Wembley Ladies won the Middlesex County FA Ladies Senior Cup four times in succession between 1994 and 1997. In the Final of this competition they defeated Millwall Lionesses (3-0 in 1994), Arsenal (3-0 at Highbury in 1995) and Chelsea (2-1 in both 1996 and 1997).
At the end of the 1996/97 season, the club ended its association with Wembley FC, and whilst retaining its name, moved its home ground to Hanwell Town FC. The 1997/98 season ended in disappointment as the club were relegated to the Southern Division of the FA Women’s Premier League.
It was at this time that the club entered into its partnership with Barnet FC and changed its name to Barnet FC Ladies. The first team moved its home ground to Underhill and this placed them in the unique position at the time of playing their home team matches on a Football League ground.
The 1998/99 and 1999/2000 seasons were ones of consolidation in the Southern Division as Barnet finished in a mid-table position on both occasions. The following year (2000/01) saw Barnet amongst the pacesetters in the Southern Division. Their brave promotion attempt only faltered due to a congested fixture list during the last few weeks of the season. The Bees also reached the Quarter Final of both the FA Women’s Cup and FAWPL Cup. In addition they defeated Fulham to win the Middlesex County Cup for the fifth time.
The 2001/02 season saw Barnet involved in an ultimately successful battle against relegation, whilst they finished in fifth place in the FAWPL Southern Division at the end of the 2002/03 campaign. However, Barnet FC Ladies surrendered its Premier League status at the end of the 2003/04 season for the first time in a decade when they were relegated to the South East Combination League.
Tracey Kevins took over the managerial reigns for the 2004/05 season, which saw Barnet finish in third place in the South East Combination and regain the Middlesex County FA Women’s Senior Cup, after defeating Queens Park Rangers 3-0 in the Final.
The 2005/06 season saw the club enjoyed their most successful season since entering into a partnership with Barnet FC in 1998. In addition to winning the 2005/06 South East Combination League title, the Bees won the League Cup and successfully retained the Middlesex County Women’s Senior Cup. Barnet also reached the Fifth Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.