Biblioteca Digital Wesleyana - O mundo é a minha paróquia

Wesleyan contribution to football in Britain

Players, coaches, referees, teams, commentator, creator of the League, President of FIFA, first black player

Odilon Massolar Chaves

Reproduction in whole or in part of the book is prohibited,

Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 9610 of February 19, 1998.

Books published in the Wesleyan Library: 31

Cover:

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Address: https://bibliotecawesleyana.blogspot.com

Translator: Google

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Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.

His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.

He was editor of the official Methodist newspaper and coordinator of the Theology Course.

He is a writer, poet and youtuber.

All glory be to the Lord

"I do not believe, and I am not alone, that to cricket and football our ministry will raise our young people to a very high tone of spirituality, and the lack of it now is a matter of regret for godly people."^[1]

Table of Contents

· Introduction

· Britain's Methodist participation in sport

· An evangelist creates the Football League in England

· Young Methodists found Aston Villa F.C.

· Founder of Everton Football Club of England

· First black professional footballer

· Second black man to play in the English League

· The greatest football commentator in England

· History of the creation of the Liverpool team

· Manchester United manager

· Liverpool's legendary winger

· From player to Methodist pastor

· From referee to Methodist pastor

· Referee and President of FIFA

Introduction

"The Wesleyan Contribution to Football in Britain" is a research book that describes the immense Wesleyan contribution to the practice of the sport in Britain.

Participation in the creation of three major football clubs; creation of the Football League and the contribution as referees, commentators, players, coaches and president of FIFA.

The first blacks to play professional football were also Methodists.

Even in the tragedies the Methodists were present. In 1958, two Methodists died when much of the Manchester United football team died in the air disaster at Munich Airport, Germany.

They also had effective participation in tennis, cricket, rowing, car racing, rugby football, etc.

But there has not always been this active and effective participation in sport. Something changed, which caused the Methodists to become involved in encouraging and practicing the sport.

Immerse yourself in this beautiful story.

The Author

Britain's Methodist participation in sport

In John Wesley's time, England was known as the "Savage Nation." The sports practiced were violent and linked to the practice of drinking.

"In the early years of the eighteenth century, the term "sporting" was used to designate the amusement activities that the nobility carried out in the countryside, usually with the use of animals: especially horse racing and hunting, but also fishing and, sometimes, animal fights, these of a more popular character. Many were the cadres who exposed such customs under the banner of sport".^[2]

Animal fighting was popular. Fox hunting was for the economically successful. There was a hunting club. Documentaries and films depict fox hunting.

There were serious problems in English society: immorality among the high officials of the government; gambling had become almost a pastime; alcoholism was a tremendous problem; recreation was barbaric in general; theft of all kinds was common, etc.^[3]

"The early Methodists distanced themselves from the popular 'sports' of their day, such as bear and bull fighting, cockfighting, and bare-fist fighting, with the drunkenness and game that accompanied them. In the course of the nineteenth century they were replaced by sports with which Methodism could identify much more readily and church-based football, cricket and tennis clubs became commonplace. But reservations about his worldliness persisted." ^[4]

It was not until the 1860s that British Methodism was awakened to the need for the practice of sport, especially for theology students. The 'committee of the Theological Institute discussed' the necessity of physical exercise for the students of Didsbury with their health in a very unsatisfactory state. Only after considerable debate was it decided to provide 'gymnastic apparatus ... but 'cricket was expressly prohibited'.^[5]

There has been evolution over the years. Methodist cricket teams were formed in 1904 at Kingston PM church, Epsom Methodist and Midsomer Norton Methodist etc.

"Before the Second World War there was a Methodist Sports Association, with sections for different sports".^[6] There was the Wesleyan Cricket Association in London and it was common for tennis clubs to be associated with local Methodist churches.

The participation of Methodism in the sport was great. The practice of sports for young people came to be seen as being necessary for temperance. Thus, young people would spend their energies on something good for body and mind.

In soccer, there was the individual participation of several Methodists. "Charles Crump, from Wolverhampton, was a particularly important figure in the early days of the Football League and the Football Association. Stanley Rous CBE (1895-1986), international referee, was secretary of the Football Association 1934-1962 and president of FIFA 1961-1974".^[7]

Aston Villa FC is an example of clubs of Methodist origin. Aston Villa Church was the successor in 1850 to Cherry Street Chapel and Wesley Chapel in Birmingham. Everton F.C. "formed in 1878 as St. Domingo Football Club, an offshoot of the Bible class for young men, by MNC minister Benjamin Swift Chambers (1845-1901; in 1869) during his first term as minister of St. Domingo's chapel, 1877-1882." ^[8]

Everton gave rise to Liverpool FC in 1892.

Several Methodists served in the Football Association, among them: Charles and Arthur Sutcliffe, strong advocates of temperance, served on the Football Association committee from 1898-1927, and Charles' son, Harold Sutcliffe, was involved with the Football League until 1967. Wilf Harrop was Vice-President of the League from 1950 to 1956. Fred Howarth was FA secretary from 1935 to 1956 and was succeeded by Alan Hardacre from 1957 to 1979.^[9]

The first blacks who played in English football were also Methodists: Arthur Wharton (1865-1930) was the first. "Walter Tull (1888-1918), grandson of a Barbadian slave, was the second. David Murrell Jones (1904–1976; in 1931) was captain of the London University football team in 1931 while a student at Richmond College and played regularly for Portsmouth FC Reserves while working at the Portsmouth Circuit from 1932–34. ^[10]

Several others stood out as referees, football coaches, players, sports commentators, etc.

Also in other sports several Methodists were highlighted.

The pastor of the Methodist Church, Frank H. Chambers OBE (1903-1957), was a prominent figure in the world of Rugby League.

W.G. Grace was one of the monumental figures in the history of cricket.

Conrad Skinner was captain of the Cambridge boat in three successive boat races.

Dorothy Round was an excellent tennis player, winner at Wimbledon.

Sir Arthur Monro Sutherland, the Newcastle industrialist and philanthropist, owned Aston Martin from 1932 to 1944 and was heavily involved in motor racing.^[11]

An evangelist creates the Football League in England

William McGregor (1846-1911) was born in Braco, Perthshire, Scotland. He was a businessman, who moved to Birmingham, England, to set up a company. He played a hugely influential role in club and professional football. He was against liquor and an evangelist and devoted Methodist.

He attended his first football match in Scotland at the age of eight. Two years after Aston Villa was formed, in March 1874, by young people from the Bible class of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, he offered to help.

He was a natural organizer and businessman, and soon became vice-president of the club. He became president between 1885 and 1887, which culminated in the club's victory in the F.A Cup for the first time. It was at McGregor's encouragement that the English Football League was formed, in 1888.

Considered the "father of the Football League", he received a prominent place in the history of English football and in "his" club, Aston Villa. He married Jessie McGregor and they had a son and a daughter.

Before his death, he received a medal for his dedication to football. Among the many posthumous tributes is the Fountain at Villa Park, where his former club now plays its home games. He is inducted into the Aston Villa Hall of Fame as one of the club's 12 most important personalities.

He is considered the creator of the Football League, launched as the first national football championship in the world in 1888. Much more than a director and president, he was the promoter of the first football league in the world.^[12]

Young Methodists found Aston Villa F.C.

Aston Villa Football Club was founded in March 1874 by members of the Bible class of the Wesleyan Methodist Church who were looking for something to keep them busy during the winter.

The four founding members of the Cross Villa Wesleyan Chapel in Handsworth were: Jack Hughes, Frederick Matthews, Walter Price, and William Scattergood. From 1867, it was known as Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel.

William McGregor, a devoted Methodist evangelist, played an extremely influential role in the club and became vice president and then president of the club. He was the founder of the English Football League.

Aston Villa emerged as the most successful English club of the Victorian era. Until the outbreak of World War I, it had won the League Championship six times and the FA Cup five times.

He was the main founder of the world's first football league, the Football League, in 1888. It also founded the Premier League in 1992, being one of seven clubs that participated in all editions of the competition.

Villa is the fifth with the highest total number of major titles won by a club from their country, having won 20 domestic titles: 7 English championships, 7 F.A. Cups, 5 League Cups and 1 English Super Cup.

Aston Villa won the 1981–82 European Cup, as well as the 1982 UEFA Super Cup and the 2001 UEFA Intertoto.^[13]

Founder of Everton Football Club of England

Ben Swift Chambers (1845-1901) was born in the village of Stocksmoor, near Huddersfield, England. He was appointed to the Methodist Church at St Dominic's in Liverpool in 1877. An advocate of temperance, he created the Band of Hope with working-class youth and formed a cricket club for local youth.

The goal was for them to get healthy exercise, develop the qualities of Christian sportsmanship, and stay away from alcohol. He persuaded members of the Young Men's Bible Class to found the St. Sunday Football Club in Stanley Park in 1878 to keep the church's youth active in the winter months outside of cricket season.

There was general interest in others taking part, and in 1879 the name was changed to Everton Football Club, which was later moved to Anfield in 1884.

Everton developed into a professional club and soon won the English Championship in 1891 (later eight more times). He won the FA Super Cup (9), the FA Cup (5) and the European Cup Winners' Cup (1).

In 2008, Reverend Ben's grave was discovered. Liverpool and Everton leaders, Methodist pastors and players' representatives attended a ceremony to honor the founder of football in the city. He is considered an integral part of the club's history.^[14]

First black professional footballer

Arthur Wharton (1865 -1930) was born in Jamestown, Gold Coast (Ghana). The son of Rev. Henry Wharton, a famous Wesleyan Methodist missionary from the West Indies, he was born in Accra, Ghana. His mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a royal in Ghana.

He was educated at Dr. Cheyne's School in London between 1875 and 1879.

In 1884, at age 19, Arthur moved to the Northeast to be a Methodist preacher at Cleveland College, Darlington, where he began his athletic career.

"Manny Harbon, a local coach, was so impressed with the young man's athletic abilities that he invited him to participate in the Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) championships held at Stamford Bridge, d".

In 1886, he equaled the amateur world record of 10 seconds for the 100-yard sprint in the AAA championship. He was the first black athlete to win a AAA championship. He was a cyclist and cricketer, with teams in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Black amateur players Robert Walker and Andrew Watson played football as amateurs before Wharton, but he is considered the first mixed-heritage football player to turn professional.

Wharton started out as an amateur playing as a goalkeeper for Darlington. He then moved to Preston North End and was part of the team that reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1886–1887. In 1889, he joined Rotherham Town, signing as a professional.

In 1890, he married Emma Lister (1866–1944) in Rotherham, Yorkshire and they had two daughters, Minnie and Nora.

"During the 1894–1895 season, Wharton played three games for Sheffield United, against Leicester Fosse, Linfield and Sunderland—the latter being a First Division game." He became the first black player to play in the top flight.

In 1895, he joined Stalybridge Rovers. He played for Stockport County in the Second Division from 1901 to 2002.

Wharton retired from football in 1902 and found employment as a coal hauler at the Yorkshire Main Colliery mines in Edlington.

In 1911 he was employed as a miner and was living in Moorthorpe, West Yorkshire, with his wife Emma. He died in 1930. His grave was listed in 1997, after a campaign by the anti-racist activists Football Unites, Racism Divides. In 2003, Wharton was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in recognition of the impact she made on the game.

In 2012, his statue was put on permanent display at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich. Wharton was the first black professional and the first to play in the Football League.^[15]

Second black man to play in the English League

Walter Tull (1888-1918) was born in Barbados, Caribbean. He was the son of Daniel, a carpenter.

In the 1980s, the family moved to Britain.

Daniel married in Folkestone, where the family attended the Methodist Church Society. They had five children. Becoming a widower, Daniel married Clara, his wife's cousin. They had a daughter. Three months later, Daniel passed away and his stepmother Clara faced great financial difficulties. ^[16]

Walter and his brother Edward went to the National Children's Home in Bethnal Green.[17] His brother Edward was adopted by a Glasgow dentist. ^[18]

"Walter Tull, the grandson of slaves, began life in a Methodist orphanage but went on to enjoy a successful football career playing for Northampton Town and Tottenham Hotspur."^[19]

Walter started playing soccer at the Methodist orphanage. He became the second black player to play in the League. The first was the Methodist Arthur Wharton (1865 -1930).

Walter joined Clapton F.C., playing in the final of the amateur Cup in 1909, winning 6–0 against Eston United. He was quickly signed by Tottenham Hotspur."^[20]

"He signed for Tottenham Hotspurs in 1909 and, after suffering racial abuse at a match in Bristol, moved to Northampton Town in the Southern League in 1911. His last game for Northampton was against Milwall in 1915. ^[21]

With the First World War, Walter enlisted in the British Army and "attained the rank of Sergeant and fought in the battle of the Somme (1916). Recovering from trench fever, he trained as an officer. He died on the Somme on 25 March 1918, leading his men as a second lieutenant who had risen through the ranks."^[22]

Walter "was the first black officer in the British Army, as well as the first black officer to lead white troops into battle in World War I. For his bravery, he was recommended the Military Cross and died a hero at the last Battle of the Somme in 1918, at the age of 29."^[23]

Walter is remembered in two memorials in Dover – the City Memorial outside the Maison Dieu House, and the River Parish Memorial. He is also named on a scroll in the river church.^[24]

"In 2008, the 90th anniversary of the Armistice and the 120th anniversary of Walter Tull's birth and the 90th anniversary of his death, a year-long initiative to raise awareness and celebrate the life of Walter Tull was led by the City of Westminster Archives, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund."^[25]

Walter "was posthumously awarded the British War and Victory Medal and recommended for a Military Cross (which was never awarded). In 2008, his story was commemorated in a TV show "Walter's War" and a traveling exhibition, and by a statue in his honor outside the grounds of Northampton Town.

In 2014, a film was made of his life and the Royal Mint issued a commemorative coin in his honor.

In 2018, a stamp from a World War I commemorative series included his portrait."^[26]

England's greatest football commentator

John Walker Motson was born on July 10, 1945, in Manchester, England. He is a well-known football commentator in England, a great professional. Journalist and writer, he is known as Motty.

John Motson is a very reliable person in football. His fine broadcasting career grew when the BBC hired him in 1968 as a radio sports presenter. For more than 35 years, John Motson was the lead commentator on every live football match and other sport on the BBC.

His father was a Methodist minister and a pious and active leader from some very troubled areas in London. Faith was and still is very important to him, although he never felt the call to follow in his father's footsteps as a pastor. His passion was football.

Since 1979, Motson has been commentating on the main European championships. He went to South Africa for the BBC for the 2010 World Cup.

He has published several books on football. In 2001, he was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). He is married to Anne and has one son. Asked about the importance of the Church, he said: "I am still a member of the Methodist church, and this is very important to me."^[27]

History of the creation of the Liverpool team

The Liverpool football team originated from the Everton football team, created by Methodist pastor Ben Swift Chambers (1845–1901). Liverpool was born out of Everton. Pastor Ben Swift Chambers is considered the founder of the two football teams.

In 1877, the Rev. Benjamin Swift Chambers was appointed Minister of St. Dominic's Chapel and created a cricket team for the Methodist youths. Cricket was only played in the summer months. Ben Swift Chambers was an avid advocate of temperance. He saw in the creation of football an opportunity for young Methodists to spend their time in the sport rather than dabble in drinking.

"By 1878, the team had changed its name to Everton. Everton FC soon left Anfield to play at the Mere Green field in Walton. By 1892, they had built a new stadium called Goodison Park.

"In 1892, after arguments over money, Everton moved to Goodison Park and Liverpool FC was born."^[28] "On 22 April 1893, the first Derby match between Everton and Liverpool took place.

Everton won the league for the first time in 1890, Liverpool in 1900 and from then on the two teams dominated English football."^[29]

"Both clubs were founded by the same people (essentially the Protestant and wealthy middle classes of 19th-century Liverpool) from the same church (St Domingo's, a Protestant church)." ^[30]

In 2008, "the rivals came together to pay tribute to the unsung hero of Huddersfield, who founded two football superpowers.^[31]

A Liverpool spokesperson said: "We are delighted to help honour the memory of the Rev Chambers and everyone in Liverpool was keen to get involved."^[32]

Chambers' grave was cleaned and given a new headstone thanks to funding from both clubs. It was dedicated after yesterday's ceremony.

The new epitaph on his grave reads: "Ben Swift Chambers, who got the ball rolling that led to the birth of the Everton and Liverpool football clubs."

Sir Philip Carter, Everton's director, said: "There are few things more important in Merseyside than football.

"Both Liverpool and Everton have a proud heritage and the history of our clubs is a source of immense pride for our fans.

"Honoring a gentleman who was so essential to the creation of football in our city is entirely appropriate.

"Ben Chambers was a visionary and everyone interested in football at Merseyside owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude."

Most Liverpool and Everton fans have never heard of the Reverend Ben Swift Chambers – but without him their clubs may never have been formed.

Thorough research has established that it was this modest West Yorkshire clergyman who kick-started the two main clubs.

Now they must pay tribute to Mr Chambers, who died more than 100 years ago and is buried in a neglected grave in Shepley, near Huddersfield.Both clubs have agreed to contribute to the restoration of the grave. "I am glad that this humble clergyman now receives the recognition he so richly deserves," Lupson said.

"It is remarkable that so little is known about the man who was the father of two of the country's top football clubs. No biography of him has ever been written nor has any photograph of him been discovered. Finally, thanks to Everton and Liverpool, he will receive a lasting tribute to his memory."^[33]

Ben Swift Chambers is considered a visionary. It provided the creation of two great football teams.

Manchester United manager

Tom Curry (1894-1958) was born in South Shields, England. He was a member of Gorse Hill Church in Manchester.^[34]

When he was 18, he signed a contract with Newcastle United. "Tom signed for Newcastle United in 1912, but saw his career postponed after the arrival of the First World War"[35] and the suspension of professional football.

After serving as a sergeant in World War I, his career resumed in 1919 and ended in 1929. He played 221 league games for Newcastle United over 17 years. As a defender, he scored five goals.

"Newcastle won the Premier League for the fourth time in 1927."^[36]

In 1929, two years after Newcastle United won the First Division title, Tom moved to Stockport County.^[37]

Having ended his playing career, Tom started as a coach. "His career off the pitch as a manager began immediately at Carlisle United in 1930 and after four years at Brunton Park",[^38] he was signed by Manchester United.

In 1939, once again, football was suspended, in 1939, due to World War II.

In addition to being a football coach, Curry treated injured players. He learned about the newest methods and use high-tech equipment like infrared heat lamps.

Tom was a man of integrity. He treated both famous artists and newcomers as well as the newcomers exactly as equals. He couldn't stand any nonsense and always offered support if one of the players was in trouble. He covered those late for training, as long as they made an effort to make up for it.^[39]

In addition to coaching Manchester United, Curry was chosen coach of the Great Britain football team at the 1948 Olympic Games. The team finished the competition in fourth place.

"Tom's life was tragically cut short on February 6, 1958, when a plane carrying players, officials, diplomats and the media from a European Champions League match in Belgrade crashed at Munich airport after a scheduled refueling."^[40]

Curry had travelled "to Yugoslavia with the Manchester United team to play the quarter-finals of the European Cup against Red Star Belgrade. On the way back, the plane carrying the team stopped in Munich for refueling. However, due to melting snow on the runway, the plane was unsuccessful on its third takeoff attempt and crashed, killing more than half of the passengers, including Curry."^[41]

The loss of Tom was greatly felt. There is a memorial commemorating those who lost their lives in Munich and Manchester, with the Munich Tunnel under Old Trafford's South Stand opened in 2008.^[42]

Liverpool's legendary winger

Billy Liddell (1921-2001) was born in Townhill, near Dunfermline, Scotland. He was the eldest of six children of a coal miner. Billy's first club in Scotland was Kingseat Juniors.^[43]

In wartime, he was a pilot officer in Bomber Command.^[44]

He was "a perfect sportsman - fast, tough, but impeccably fair - a convinced Christian; a diligent worker with boys' clubs."^[45]

He played so well on the left and right. He also became a successful center forward.

In World War II, he played for Chelsea as a guest, but stayed at Liverpool for his entire career.

He was so held in high esteem at Liverpool that the team was nicknamed "Liddellpool".

"He joined Liverpool in 1939 but only made his official debut in 1946 due to wartime conditions. Liddell played for the Reds until 1960, making 534 appearances.^[46]

He won his first title for Scotland against England at Hampden Park in April 1942. It was one of Scotland's rare wartime victories against the English 5-4 and Liddell scored a goal.

Liddell was Liverpool's left winger, a torment for any defender.

After World War II, Liverpool "won a prolonged championship in the summer because of terrible weather. Liddell played 34 games for just seven goals, but by the time he finished playing for the team in 1960, he had scored 216 in 495 games. ^[47]

In May 1947, Liddell played as a left winger for the Great Britain national team against the rest of Europe, contributing to a 6–1 victory.

"In 1958, Liddell was appointed justice of the peace. He had successfully combined his football career with work as an accountant."^[48]

For the Scotland national team, Liddell played 28 times and scored six goals. He has never been to a World Cup.

Billy Liddell is the 4th highest scorer in Livelpool's history with 228 goals, behind Ian Rush (346 goals); Roger Hunt (285 goals) and Gordon Hodgson (241 goals).^[49]

Liddel was also known for his loyalty. When Liverpool were relegated to the second division in 1954, he refused to leave Liverpool.^[50]

From player to Methodist pastor

Some footballers later went on to be Methodist pastors in England. Pastors who played professional football include Norman H. Hallam (1920-1997) and Philip J. Lockett (in 1969).^[51]

Norman Henry Hallam (1920-1997) played in midfield.[52] He played in the Third Division of English football and helped Port Vale finish second in 1952–53. [53] He was runner-up.55.4K

Hallam played for Chelsea, before joining Port Vale in May 1946. He played 27 first-team games in 1946–47, scoring his first senior goal on 9 November in a 4–1 loss to Walsall at Fellows Park. He scored three goals in 30 games in 1947-48." ^[54]

While at the club, he became a Methodist minister. He later played for Halifax Town and Goole Town.

Hallam, in 1948, left full-time football to be a Methodist minister.^[55]

He even played a Third Division South game in 1949–50. In January 1952 he returned to his old team, but living in Birmingham he was not always able to go to the games.

"He played three games in 1951-52 and eight games in 1952-53, helping Freddie Steele's side finish second in the Third Division North last campaign. In May 1953, he moved to Doncaster and left the club on a free transfer to Halifax Town. He played three games for the Shaymen in 1953–54. After leaving Shay, he later played for Goole Town.^[56]

Dallam served as pastor with Port Vale F.C. On June 14 of the 1951–52 season "manager Gordon Hodgson died after a long battle with cancer, his funeral at Carmountside conducted by the Reverend Norman Hallam".^[57]

From referee to Methodist pastor

One of the referees of the English Football Association was Leslie Arthur Newman (1904-1987), who was born in Maulden, Beds, England.

"Dr. Leslie A. Newman was a qualified FA arbitrator."^The FA m, Football Association of England is the governing body of football in England. It was established in 1863 and is the oldest football association in the world.^[59]

"He spent his childhood at Ampthill, where his father was one of the Duke of Bedford's foresters. When he was 10 years old, his father was killed by a falling tree and he was raised by his mother, often in poverty. A sharp scout." ^[60] He was presented with his King's Scout badge by Baden Powell himself.

At Richmond College, Leslie was enthused by the philosophy of Eric Waterhouse and the biblical studies of C. Ryder Smith. "He obtained a PhD from Durham University for a thesis on John Wesley as a philosopher. He was also a qualified FA referee, often of First Division matches."^[61]

His wife Joan was a pioneer doctor in the creation of Ikkado Hospital, near Madras. She was the daughter and sister of Methodist ministers

He was pastor in Newcastle and then in Brighton, where he was superintendent of the Summit Mission. He preached sermons in the Church to members of the Labour Party at their conferences. ^[62]

Leslie was pastor of the largest Protestant congregation in Europe. He was pastor at Newcastle Brunswick (1944-1953) and at the Dome Mission, Brighton, where he preached for 14 years (1953-1967) to what was described as "the largest Protestant congregation in Europe". ^[63]

During the 1940s, he made some long journeys on horseback around the Yorkshire Dales and the north-east, following in the footsteps of John Wesley and writing books about his experiences.^[64]

Leslie used psychiatry and psychology in her ministry in Brighton, applying course on "Psychology and Religion" and established a "clinic" on Friday evening. Leslie also had a column in local newspapers and answered personal questions.

His reputation as a preacher took him to America, Canada and South Africa. He was "humbly proud to be one of Mr. Wesley's preachers." ^[65]

In the 1960s, he opposed the Anglican-Methodist scheme, mainly because it involved the episcopate, which he did not accept. He retired in 1967 after a long period in the pastorate in Brighton.^[66]

He was president of the Voice of Methodism.

Referee and President of FIFA

Sir Stanley Ford Rous, CBE (1895-1986) was born inWatford,England.

He "attended Sir John Leman School at Beccles. He was the eldest son of a master of provision, but trained as a teacher at Beccles."^[67]

"After the war, Rous attended St Luke's College in Exeter and then became a sports teacher at Watford Boys Grammar School.^[68]

He was from a Methodist family.^[69]

"Rous played football at amateur level as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Kirkley and Loweroft Town, but was forced to retire from playing after breaking a wrist. Hedeveloped an interest in refereeing while watching Norwich City and later qualified as a referee while studying at St Luke's and became a football league referee in 1927."^[70]

He was married to Adrienne Gacon and had no children.

He was a football referee and President of FIFA (1961-1974). He served as Secretary of the Football Association (1934–1962).^[71]

As a football referee, he refereed international matches.

In 1927, he refereed his first international match of Belgium 2-0 Netherlands, at the Bosuilstadion, Antwerp.

In 1934, he refereed the 1934 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, between Manchester City 2-0 Portsmouth.

In 1961, he was elected President of FIFA and saw England become World Champions in 1966.

He introduced yellow and red cards in football.

He supported the apartheid-era South African Football Association. South Africa was suspended from FIFA and Rous traveled to South Africa and, in 1963, concluded that it should be readmitted to FIFA.

In 1974, he was named honorary president of FIFA. In his honor, the football competition in England and Scotland took place from 1985 to 1989 called the Stanley Rous Cup.[72]

On the issues involving FIFA, Stanley Rous would be shocked if he knew about the scandals. "That is the view of his nephew – and former mayor of Ipswich – Roger Fern, who has spoken about his famous relative as FIFA events continue to dominate sports news (...). " He'd be spinning in his grave, for sure," he said. ^[73]

His nephew said: "My uncle has always been very affected. He was always determined to 'do the right thing' and I'm sure any hint of scandal like this would have horrified him.

'He was raised in a Methodist family and it was always very important that things were done as he would have liked. I don't think he would like to see what's been happening in FIFA recently. [^74]

According to scholars, "Rous made a major contribution to the game by rewriting the Laws of the Game in 1938, making them simpler and easier to understand."^[75]

He was called Mister Futebol.^[76]

[1] Letter in the Methodist Engraver, January 23, 1863, p.28, https:// dmbi.online/index.php?do=app.entry&id=2572

[2]https://deolhonosesporte.blogspot.com/2011/10/esporte-e-arte-na-inglaterra-do-seculo.html

[3] REILY, Duncan Ablexander. Brazilian and Wesleyan Methodism. São Paulo: Methodist Press, 1981, p.148-53.

[4] "DMBI: A Dictionary of Methodism in Britain and Ireland", https://dmbi.online/index.php?do=app.entry&id=2572

[5] Didsbury is a suburban area of Manchester. "DMBI: A Dictionary of Methodism in Britain and Ireland"s, https://dmbi.online/index.php?do=app.entry&id=2572

[6] "DMBI: A Dictionary of Methodism in Britain and Ireland", https://dmbi.online/index.php?do=app.entry&id=2572

[7] Idem.

[8] "DMBI: A Dictionary of Methodism in Britain and Ireland", https://dmbi.online/index.php?do=app.entry&id=2572

[9] Idem.

[10] Idem.

[11] Idem.

[12] Research: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_McGregor

www.avfc.co.uk/page/.../0,,10265~2552213,00.html

www.freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/.../willia.

www.electricscotland.com/.../mcgregor_william.htm

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-16247593

[13] Research: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Aston_Villa_F.C._ (1874–1961)