Mexborough and Swinton Times September 14, 1928

Men of Note in Local Sport.

A Versatile Sportsman

Mr. W.H. Popple, president of the Mexboro’ School Athletic Association has been, and still is, one of the most energetic workers for School football in the Mexborough district. The present standing of the Mexboro’ School athletic Association owes a great deal to him. He has himself been a good footballer, has played tennis with great success, and recently has turned to golf.

Mr. Popple is on the staff at the Dolcliffe Road School and is a popular and cheery personality; the many boys he has instructed in football and other games have great confidence in him.

As a pupil teacher at the Doncaster Road School he assisted with the supervision of the school football team. His own first club was Mexborough amateurs who played in the Sheffield Amateur ‘league competition, which was about equal in strength to the present Association League competition. With them he played both back positions, and acted as captain and was secretary for several years. Later he joined Mexborough Victoria and partnered Ben worth he also played for Swinton,, which then had a exceptionally strong team, including several players who later made good. One was Harry Vickers, who played outside left. United though he played several seasons with Mexborough, Mr Popple had few opportunities in the Midland league 11, which had Dave Murray, later with Leeds and Jimmy Crump, the old Barnsley back. Mr Popple afterwards played with Goole for a season or two. His playing career ended with the War

He and Mr. Torn Field called a meeting in 1919 to form a Mexboro’ School Football Association, which has become a thriving body. He was first secretary and held the position for several years, to hand it over then to Mr. Jackson, the present secretary. Mr. Popple was also one of the chief movers in the beginning of the Mexboro’ School Sports Association, for which he was also the first secretary

The oldest tennis club in the district, at Old Denaby, has had Mr. Popple on its members list for about 25 years and as secretary and team captain for many years. He is a vice-President of the Mexboro’ L.T.A. and has won several championship matches. He took up golf last year and is a member of the committee of the Hickleton Club.

Mr. Popple served throughout the War in the Royal Garrison Artillery and reached the rank of Lieutenant. Apart from a sporting achievements Mr. Popple was formerly the possessor of a fine baritone voice and took principle parts in many local operatic productions. He still plays in the Mexboro’ Amateur Dramatic, Society.