Football club's first season (1899)

Post date: Feb 14, 2012 4:39:57 PM

Extract from Parish magazine of April 1899:

The Wateringbury and Teston Football Club have celebrated the first season of its existence by a public dinner at the King's Head, when the Vicar presided, being supported by Mr. A. Leney, Mr. P. H. Copley, Drs. Fry and Houghton Brown, and others. The good attendance is evidence of the popularity of dining and football!

The record of the youthful club, though chequered by defeats, is not disappointing. It takes time for a team to learn to play together, especially when some of the members have to learn the game ; and in the case of some the quick acquirement of skill has been remarkable. It is to be hoped that the executive will avoid the rock on which many such clubs are wrecked, and that they will always, without exception, play bona fide members of the club in preference to outsiders. This will in the end most surely lead to success and victory. Victory at first is not everything ; it is worthless if gained at the expense of esprit de corps.

In the following year, March 1900, a second 'annual dinner and smoking concert' was held, this time at 'its headquarters, the Railway Arms '. 'There was a good muster of members and friends, under the presidency of the Vicar.' The club was reported as being in 'a flourishing condition' playing 'a good many matches'. Then the sting in the tail 'the general public of Wateringbury seems to take too little interest in these games. It is a pity that there are not more players and more spectators.'

The South Eastern Gazette reported on 10 October 1899:

FOOTBALL CLUB.-The annual general meeting of the Wateringbury and Teston United Football Club was held on Wednesday at the Railway Hotel, the Rev. G. M. Livett being in the chair. The attendance was not large . Correspondence was read from Mr. Gerald Warde, granting the use of his field again, and from last year's captain, Mr. A. Watson saying he would not be able to accept the position again this season. The chief business was the election of officers and committee. Mr. martin was unanimously elected Captain, Mr. V. Reader Treasurer, and Mr. E. Dickerson, Secreatary. After a discussion it was decided not to appoint a sub-captain, but to leave the Captain free to appoint someone to act in his absence when necessary.

The South Eastern Gazette reported on 16 October 1900:

FOOTBALL CLUB.-The Wateringbury and Teston United Football Club held its annual general meeting on Friday evening at the Railway Hotel. In the absence of the President (the Rev. G.M. Livett) the chair was taken by Mr. P. H. Copley. Mr. Martin was unanimously re-elected Captain , Mr. V. Reader Treasurer, and Mr. Dickerson Hon Secretary. The annual report showed that 21 matches had been played, nine of which were won, Nine lost and three drawn, 51 goals had been scored for and 61 against. The balance-sheet showed a deficit of 17s.