Bancroft, James W.
The Early Years of the FA Cup: How the British Army Helped Establish the World's First Football Tournament
- ISBN 13:
- 9781399099912
- author:
- Bancroft, James W.
- format:
- Hardback
- publisher:
- Frontline Books
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2021
- Pages:
- 224
- Dimensions:
- 23.4 x 15.6 centimetres (0.51 kg
- Genre:
- Sports & Recreation, History, Sports & Recreation,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 4 working days
Description
The Early Years of the FA Cup: How the British Army Helped Establish the World's First Football Tournament by James W. Bancroft. In 1871, the first set of matches for what would become the world's first football tournament, the FA Cup, were played on November 11th. The competition was a groundbreaking knockout event that showcased the sport in its early days. During this inaugural decade, teams associated with the military played a significant role, participating in over 70 matches and winning more than half of them. The involvement of military units not only contributed to the tournament's success but also produced notable figures in football history. Major Francis Marindin, for example, was a respected administrator who played a key part in the FA Cup's founding and refereed several matches. Other military personnel achieved significant milestones, such as Lieutenant James Prinsep becoming the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final. This book offers a fascinating look back at a pivotal moment in football history, when the sport was played for its own sake rather than for financial gain. By exploring this period, readers can gain a deeper understanding of how the game evolved and the people who helped shape it into what it is today.