Mexborough and Swinton Times April 6, 1928

Mexboro’ Old Boys Club

The Mexboro’ Old Boys club was formed two seasons ago and has a splendid record. Last season they were beaten but once, in league engagements, by New Stubbin, who beat them in the semi-final round for the cup.

Of ten matches played Mexboro’ won nine. This season they have played 17 league matches and are unbeaten. They have drawn one and won the rest and have a goal average of 119 against 20. They meet Clifton Wesleyan in the semi-final round of the Rotherham Intermediate League competition and in the final round of the subsidiary competition.

They have also reached the final round of the Wombwell Knockout competition for intermediate clubs and will play Barnsley for the trophy on a date to be arranged.

The club represents a gallant effort to meet the growing need for free for boys between the leaving school and reaching age and physical maturity sufficient to get them places in adult teams. It has been noted repeatedly that boys who showed great promise in their school teams —such as the boys who are now carrying the Mexboro’ colours so splendidly in the English School Shield competition—have lost most of their skill when next they were heard off in adult football: the absence of facilities for the continuation of their development during the years between 14 and 18 is the explanation.

All are South Yorkshire efforts are being made to meet this need but the difficulties are great – especially the matter of ground and club like Mexborough old boys need a new good solid band of enthusiasts behind them with a little time and cash to develop to the project of keeping the clever players in trim after they leave school.

The big clubs – Midland league and football league would benefit by taking an interest in such clubs and to complete the scheme of organisation a good liaison is needed between them and the local schools Athletic Association