The Reta Fitzpatrick Cup 

Named after the late Reta Fitzpatrick who was one of the early pioneers for the women's game in Canterbury.

Reta, or "Mrs Fitz's" as known and called by all the players, was a manageress (called the team chaperone in the 70's) for many seasons at club level for Rangers (now Coastal Spirit). She also occupied this role for Canterbury from 1976 until 1992. Outside of this responsibility she also filled many other roles on the committee at Rangers as well as serving on the Canterbury Women's Football Association - (CWFA) for three decades and was made a life member at both Rangers and the CWFA. 

The Canterbury Women's Football Knockout Cup was first contested in 1974 when the top women's clubs included the likes of Halswell, New Brighton, Rangers and Nomads. Halswell went on to win the very first Cup competition in 1974. In 2005 the Knock Out Cup was renamed The Reta Fitzpatrick Cup with Reta on hand to hand over the trophy for the first time to inaugural winners New Brighton.  This was somewhat fitting as the New Brighton coach was Rowena Fulham, who had played at Rangers and Canterbury for a number of season's when Reta was the manager. 

It is testament to Reta's legacy that the Cup remains a much sort after trophy on the Canterbury sporting landscape - and we pay homage to the numerous hours of volunteer support Reta gave to football within the region.

Cup Winners