Charles Alcock and the FA Cup

Footylosopher

Charles William Alcock was a major player in the formation of the structure of English Football we know today. A Harrow boy, and avid Cricketer, he needed a sport to play during the winter months when Cricket was on hiatus. He, like many others, turned to the pitch to play football; or what passed as football in the 1850's.

After school, Alcock co founded his own team (Forest Football Club) but struggled to find opponents that played by the same set of rules his club had adopted. While history can't seem to agree on whether or not Alcock was present at the Morley meetings that created the Football Association, his team was a charter member of the FA.

Alcock's sportsmanship and drive for competition led to him proposing an idea of a sudden death championship complete with ornate trophy. As captain of one of the winningest clubs in the FA, he lifted the cup 5 out of the first 7 years. He also organized the first international exhibition match pitting England against Scotland in 1870.

Alcock would die a journalist, writer, perennial founder of things, and leader of two major sports. His grave is still a place of honor as his headstone itself is a cross embossed with an image of the FA cup he was instrumental in creating.

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