Our History

The LSFA is a proud footballing organisation that has served the children and city of Liverpool since 1887. 

In the 'Our History' section, there is a list of honours won, historical photographs, notable former players and a list of lifetime members.

The information we have listed is not perfect and exhaustive, but it is what we have at this time. We believe the information to be as accurate as possible. If you wish to query or add to anything in this section, please email Ian Wah - iwah@liverpoolschoolsfa.org.uk

We owe a great thanks to Tim Johnson, whose book 'They Used To Play At Penny Lane' chronicles many of the achievements of the LSFA, and the personalities who shaped us along the way. Tim was manger of the under 14's, the under 15's Secretary and LSFA Chairman in his time, before turning his hand to journalism and writing books.

 

A Brief History of Liverpool Schools FA

 

"While there is definite evidence of schools' cricket in Liverpool in the 1860's, actual records of football date from around 1887. In that year, an enthusiastic band of schoolmasters (from the National Union of Teachers) did magnificent pioneer work in establishing the organisation of football, swimming and cricket, for scholars of the city, and in securing the reservation of adequate playing fields in the public parks. Prominent among this band of workers were Messrs FW Angell (Chairman), EE McDougall (Football Secretary), R Dixon, J Brandwood, J Mennie and J Gunning."

From an article written by 'Uncle Stalky', for the England v Ireland schoolboy international match programme, staged at Anfield on Monday, April 22nd 1935.

He continued: "The trophy for the original league was presented in 1893, and another came along in 1897, when interest had grown so rapidly that a second league was found necessary. In 1900, the teachers of the Catholic schools, led by JP Callaghan and James Lee, inaugurated the Catholic schools football competitions. From their original 14 school, the leagues have now progressed to form a very happy group of the present association." Below is a picture of St Francis de Sales, Under 15 Catholic League and Cup Winners 1915/16. As far as we know, it is the oldest photograph of a school football team in the city.

Between 1893 and 1897 Liverpool Schoolboys began to play in inter-town games. The earliest recorded being against Sheffield in 1894 and in 1895 against Nottingham with a team that included Harry Makepeace (Queen's Rd). Makepeace went on to win the FA Cup with Everton, play for England at football and cricket and has been inducted into the Everton Hall of Fame. There are many other examples of boys and girls who have gone on to professional careers, play for their country and win major honours; including a World Cup (Ian Callaghan). For example, Joe Fagan, Tommy Smith, Joe Royle, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard. And more recently after the formation of Liverpool Schoolgirls teams, Fern Whelan (Brighton & HA), Toni Duggan (Everton) and Nikita Parris (Olympique Lyon). See the page entitled 'Notable Former Players' for further details.

Liverpool was one of the first 21 Schools' Associations to affiliate with the ESFA, and one of the 19 which took part in the inaugural national competition in 1904/5. Beating Bury 4-0 in the Preliminary round before losing to Birkenhead 1-4. Since then the Under 15's have gone on to win the English trophy a record number of times. Our Under 13s Boys and Under 11s Boys also hold records for most national titles at their respective age groups. Today's roster of managers and coaches continue to strive and add to these numbers each year.

For many years our home ground was at "Penny Lane" - a street that was home to the Association many years before a song by the Beatles put its name permanently on the map. Many team photographs include backgrounds which can be seen in the song's video. However, as more teams were established, we outgrew this celebrated venue and in September 1999, moved to the new "City of Liverpool Soccer Centre" as part of a joint project between ourselves, Alsop High School and the Liverpool County FA.