History

 Information on the following can be found on this page:

The Formation of the Association

Breaking Away from Washington Schools

50th Anniversary Celebrations

Two Epic Harrison Cup Finals in the 1970's

Easter Tours to Manchester

The Batley Experience

Scarborough Trips in October

National Finals at Wembley, Lilleshall & Keele

Formation of the Association

Our earliest photograph shows Birtley Elizabethville School in the first season of the Chester-le-Street Junior Schools F.A. back in 1950. Teachers on the back row are Bob Everett, Jack Bee, Jack Thornback. Seated in the front row is headteacher John Etherington, an active member of English Schools FA who eventually became national chairman in season 1960-61.To wear the school strip was the ambition of every boy in the school!

It was back in 1950 that the first primary schools' league was formed. A meeting held in Birtley Elisabethville School on Monday 17th July 1950 agreed to form two sections, east and west. The east section was made up of Birtley Elisabethville, Ravensworth Tce., Washington Glebe, Usworth, Washington St. Josephs, Fence Houses and New Lambton. The west section comprised Langley Park, Sacriston, Chester Council, Pelton Council, Roseberry, West Pelton and Grange Villa. It was also agreed that inter-league matches would be played against Sunderland, West Stanley, Gateshead and Bishop Auckland  associations. This, then, was the start of inter-schools and district football in the Chester-le-Street area.

This photograph was taken in 1954-55 season. The C.B. Watson Cup is proudly held by captain, R Stevenson. Next to the captain, on his left, is the Allan Brown, who supplied the photograph and second on the left in the row behind is Dave Merrington, who went on to play for Burnley and afterwards managed Sunderland and Southampton.The trophy is still competed for each season at the present time. It is our most prestigious trophy. Note the three teachers, Jack Bee, Bob Everett and Jack Thornback. Trilby hats were in fashion!

The meeting also agreed to play friendly inter-association games and matches were arranged between Sunderland and West Stanley. Selection for the team was the responsibilty of the selection committee and schools were allowed to nominate no more than four boys for trials. It was also agreed that a team manager should be appointed and Mr. Stan Lewis (Langley Park) was the first manager of Chester-le-Street Boys. Stan Lewis continued to serve the association for many years in a number of capacities as did two other of the original officials, Bobby Everett (Birtley East) and Jack Thornback (Elisabethville & Ouston).

The final trial was played at either Birtley East Modern or Pelton Modern School. During the first season, the team defeated Sunderland 2-1, dreww the return and lost narrowly to West Stanley. The custom of arranging a meal after each district match was introduced. The secretary was instructed to provide a meal with a maximum charge of one shilling & sixpence charged and to also book a bus for way games. The custom of providing a meal, usually pies and peas, was a feature of district football until well into the 1970's.

The treasurer, at the annual meeting on Tuesday May 8th 1951, produced a balance sheet showing a total of £3 18s 11d. He did point out that providing a meal was costly but the meeting were in agreement that this should continue. This meeting also recorded a letter from the Birtley firm, Durham Chemicals, in which they offered to present a trophy for use throughout the season. This trophy, named the C B Watson Memorial Trophy, is still played for by teams in our association today - a wonderful achievement. Mr. Watson, who had died during the year, was a director of the firm and held in very high esteem by both officials and workmen alike. Little did they realise that his name would be remembered so far into the future.

The first play off between the winenrs of the east and west section was a two-legged affair between Sacriston and Usworth. They were the outstanding teams in that first season and in the final, Sacriston were victorious and became the first ever champions of the league - a feat of which modern day Sacriston can feel very proud.

Football continued for the next 20 years and built on the foundations of those early pioneers until, in 1970, Washington schools expressed a desire to form their own association. Washington new town had increased in size and, with the building of new priamry schools, the teachers now felt that they had sufficient schools to run a meaningful association. A meeting on Tuesday July 7th. recorded an expression of thank by Washington teacher, Mr. Scorer, to Chester-le-Street schools for the friendships they had made over the years. Mr. George Staines (Chairman) wished the Washington Association evry success for the future.

The "new" Chester-le-Street association was formed with the following officials:

Chairman: Mr. G. Staines (Pelton Roseberry)

Vice Chairman: Mr. E. McMillan (Kibblesworth)

Secretary: Mr. R.O. Willis (Lumley)

Treasurer: Mr. J. Thornback (Ouston)

Auditor: Mr. T. Mountain (Birtley George Street)

Team Managers: Mr. T. Baker (Kibblesworth)

                       Mr. F. Johnson (St.Benets)

The association since then has gone from strength to strength. The job of secretary has been taken o n by Frank Johnson and Jim McAdam, who both made a tremendous contribution to the league. Frank, before his early retirement as headteacher at Ouston St. Benets and Jim, through his long association with Chester-le-Street St. Cuthberts loved the involvement which primary schools' football presented to them and they can recall countless memories of their time both with district and inter-schools' football. Present secretary, Tom Baker and treasurer, Leo Ford would express similar sentiments. For many years, Joe McCormick (Birtley St. Josephs) has served the league and continues to do so. Among the young brigade, Alan Baker (Pelton Community) stands out for his enthusiasm towards schools' football and, particularly, district football.

50th. Anniversary

The year 2000 was a special year in the history of our association. Firstly, it was the year when our present district team became National Champions in the ESFA Adidas Predator 7-a-side competition and also the fact that the association had reached its 50th birthday. To mark the occasion, a sportman's dinner was organised at the Chilton Country Club near Lumley and 200 parents, friends and supporters turned out for the event. Officials were delighted witht he response for it seemd to show that the association was still close to the hearts of boys and parents who had played both recently and in those bygone days.

Holding the dinner on a Friday night was a litte unfortunate for it meant that a number of our former boys who have gone on to make a career for themselves in the professional game and were keen to attend, were unable to do so due to club commitments. This included players such as Craig Liddle (Darlington), Michael Barron (Hartlepool), Gary Owers and John Kay(Sunderland) and Adrew Todd. One current professional who was able to attend due to an injury he was recovering from was Tommy Johnson (Celtic) and we wee thrilled that he had taken the time to drive down from Glasgow to share the occasion with us. Invited guests were an 80 year old Jack Thornback (association's first treasurer), Allan Brown (played for the association in the 1950's) and Malcolm Berry (ESAFA Chief Executive)

A nostalgic evening was enjoyed by all. First of all, the district team, which was preparing to play the national final at Wembley, was introduced to everyone, while it was great to see those who, as slim, fit under 11's in days gone by, were now a little fuller around the waist but were keen to pass memories of their time playing for their school team. The evening was rounded off with a presentation of a crystal bowl from ESFA by Malcolm Berry to our secretary, Tom Baker, for his contribution to schools' football over many years.

Quotes From Those Unable To Attend

"I can well remember the excitement of being part of the squad and when I think about how many boys have benefited from the experience, it makes me realise how valuable the efforts of the teaching staff have been" - Trevor McMillan (1970-71 - son of Kibblesworth headteacher, Emmerson McMillan)

"As a former Chester-le-Street schoolboy, I remember my junior playing days with a lot of pride. The association played a big part in what I have managed to achieve over the years" - Colin Todd (1960 - ex Englandinternational and manager of Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and Bradford)

"It was a great honour for me to be selected for the district team and, like the rest of the schoolboys who were selected, I believe it was the first stepping stone to my future in professional football" - Andrew Todd (1984-86 - Middlesbrough, Bolton, Charlton, Blackburn)

"I feel that my framework was formed and character built not only by my family but by schoolteachers who loved the game and gave up a lot of their spare time and in a small way, I say 'thank you' to them. They were, and are, special people, the salt of the earth" - Dave Merrington(1955 - ex player and coach at Southhampton & former manager at Sunderland)

"You should all be proud of what you have achieved, especially in the landmark year for the association. Very well done!" - Alan Bell (Inspector for Physical Education)

"I hope you have a wonderful evening. It is over 20 years since I played for Chester Boys but it only seems like yesterday and I still have lots of great memories" - Gary Owers (1980 - Sunderland, Bristol City, Notts County)

"I was lucky enough to play for Chester Boys for two years. Whether it was training or playing, it was something I looked forward to greatly. The highlight of the year was the trip to Manchester at easter. In those two years, I was fortunate to meet a lot of people who I bump into today, lads such as Tommy Johnson, Michael McAdam and Neil Pick. Along with a lot of other boys, I was lucky to benefit from playing for Chester Boys and I am sure a lot more will over the years! - Craig Liddle (1981-83 - captain of Darlington)

"I have very happy memories of the start of my career. Chester Boys was a very well run organisation from which I can only recall happy times. The trip to Manchester made me realise what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I made some true friends who I can rely on and trust for the rest of my life. I owe an awful lot to the association and wish them all the best for a long future in schools' football" - Michael Barron (1984-86 - captain of Hartlepool)

Harrison Cup

Losing so narrowly in the Harrison Cup Final

Squad: Bell, Reed, Loughlin (Barley Mow), Skeoch, Harper (Ouston), McMillan, Kendal, Young (Kibblesworth),

Greener (Red Rose), Hutton (Birtley East), Loughlin, Craggs, Foster (St Cuthberts), Askew (Lumley)

1970 saw Chester-le-Street and Washington schools break away to form their own associations. The principal reason for this was that so many priamry schools were built in the new town of Washington that it was felt that the association would have become too large of unwieldy. In one way, it was disappointing to beak up the friendships that had been built up over the years but in another way, travelling to school matches would be much more within reach.

The first district team under the new structure was led by Frank Johnson and Tom Baker. Weekly training was held at the Chester-le-Street Youth Centre and matches were played at Lumley junoir School. The Harrison County Cup in those days was a knockoput competition and in the quarter final, a narrow defeat of Felling (included in their team was a certain Chris Waddle) meant that a final against the largest association in the county, Sunderland, was anticipated. The first leg of the final took place at Broadway School in Sunderland and resulted in a heavy 3-0 defeat. The second leg at Lumley saw a tremendous fight back by the home team and, after normal time, the score was 3-0 to Chester-le-Street. Extra time was played and, in the second period, Sunderland scored to win a fantastic final.

Remarkably, the following season saw the same two teams competing in the fianl once more. The venues were the same and the first leg was played at Broadway. The Chester-le-Street team contained three boys who had played the previous year and, after an exciting game, it was the visitors who had built up a first leg 2-0 lead. Chester-le-Street were obviously very confident of becoming county champions but it was Sunderland who made all the running, building up a two goal lead which the home team were unable to claw back. Extra time again was a disappointment for Chester-le-Street and, when Sunderland scored again in extra time to clinch the title, it was a devastated group of boys, teachers and parents who had witnessed two wonderful finals against their old adversaries.

These two finals just seemed to epitomise everything that was good about schools' football. the quality of the football was of the highest calibre and the sportmanship of both boys and spectators was first class. There is no doubt that thses matches have long remained in the memories of both associations. For years afterwards, any conversations between the two sets of officials, Ron Gormley (Sunderland) and Frank Johnson & Tom Baker (Chester-le-Street) have always had a reference to those "70's" finals.

Easter Tour to Manchester

The first Easter tour to Manchester took place in 1972. This became an annual event which lasted for 20 years. At that time, Cheshire and the Manchester area were able to provide district teams such as Sale, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Stretford and the team we played every year, Stockport. Accommodation varied. The first year, we stayed at the Methodist College in Manchester, then the Rudyard Hotel in Stockport for a number of years. Memories of late nights, endless discussions and rugby teams come flooding back at the mention of the Rudyard!

For two years, we used a hall of residence at Manchester University called St. Gabriel's Hall (1984-85). This was run by the Sisters of the Cross & Passion and to say that the boys were cossetted by the nuns during this stay would be an understatement!

The interest in the district team at this time was quite incredible and, for our first tour, NINE teachers accompanied the team. Their names and schools at that time, will be familiar to many who read this account and have fond memories of their primary school football experineces.

George Staines (Roseberry), Emmerson McMillan (Kibblesworth), Tom Baker (Kibblesworth), John Meek, Alan Pearson (Barley Mow), Ollie Willis (Lumley), Maurice Richardson (Red Rose), Frank Johnson (St Cuthberts), Norman Wilson (Bullion Lane)

 First trip to Manchester in 1971. Left to right: Maurice Richardson, Emmerson McMillan, Alan Pearson, John Meek, Frank Johnson, Tom Baker, Ollie Willis, George Staines, Norman Wilson 

Batley 1995

The Adidas competition, organised by the ESFA, was, as yet, a new competition. It is true that the season before, with a young set of players, we had played particularly well in reaching the semi final in the very first competition held at Manchester. However, this flirtation did nothing to prepare us for what was to happen at Batley. The reward for winning this competition was a trip to Wembley or Old Trafford and it was this desire to play at either of these two stadiums which drove us on with great determination. The journey to Yorkshire by cars was a pleasant experience as it always is with our resident comedian, Mr Joe McCormick, and we were an excited party which arrived a little late for the kick off.

The team played particularly well in the group matches and we won our group having won all our games apart from one which was drawn. Little did we know that this was to play an important part in subsequent events. The winners of the other group, the Wirral from Merseyside, had won all their group matches. The rule of the competition was that, in the event of a draw, in the semi final or final, the team which had performed better in the group matches i.e. Wirral, would be declared the winner. In our semi final, we defeated the team which was runner up in the other group, Leeds, 2 - 0 whereas The Wirral drew with the runner up in our group, Stockport, but because the Wirral had performed better in the group matches, they progressed to the final. By the time the final arrived, both teams, having played a lot of football ata hectic pace, were feeling tired.

The score after normal time was 0 - 0 so it was into extra time and, within a minute, we scored through Andrew Robinson (Red Rose). As part of the sponsorship by Adidas, baseball hats were supplied and we can all remember the hat belonging to one of our palyers, Ryan Drummond (Ouston) disappearing into the air in celebration by one, J McCormick, as the ball hit the back of the net. Colours of suits for the trip to Wembley were hastily discussed when the same Ryan Drummond, who had played outstandingly well throughout the tournament, was caught inpossession, resulting in an equaliser for The Wirral. Soon after, the final whistle blew and that was it! The Wirral moved on to the final courtesy of "that" rule, which, thankfully, was removed from the competition the following season.

Needless to say, it was a devastated dressing room afterwards for we all knew that we were desperately unlucky to lose out. The general concensus amongst all the spectators was that we had been the outstanding team in the competition. One positive thing to come out of it all was the attitude of the boys and parents to this disappointment. We were congratulated in a letter later sent to the ESFA by the the competition organiser, Mr Tim Leigh, for the sporting manner in which Chester-le-Street had accepted the situation. This, after all, is what schools' football is all about. Having said this, it was a very quiet car which returned to Chester-le-Street and, for one manager in particular, it took several days before he was able to speak rationally to anyone.

The upshot of this experience is that when there has been a disappointment of any kind in any football match we have been involved in since then, we have always reminded ourselves of Batley and suddenly, things don't seem to be so bad after all!

Wembley 2000

Account written by Graeme Coapes (Goalkeeper)

We were instucted to be at Durham railway station at 2 o'clock on Friday 24th March. All the boys were resplendent in their new tracksuits, shoes, trousers, shirts and ties as well as carrying a holdall containing our brand new Adidas boots, the reward for reaching the final. We caught the 14.18 train to Kings Cross, having been seen off by nervous parents.

On reaching Kings Cross, we fought our way through crowds on to the underground and then on to Harrow on the Hill, two stops up the Metropolitan Line from Wembley, where we settled in to the Harrow Hotel. Pre-match dinner with the other teams was quite an occasion, where we received our new strip and were interviewed by the match commentator.

Saturday 25th March - the BIG day!

Up early for a walk round the park then on to Wembley by taxi. Nerves stood on end as we waited in the tunnel, dressed in our new strips and with the team managers immaculately dressed in matching suites and button holes. The four teams were introduced to guest of honour, Peter Shilton. The semi final was played in heavy rain against a London team , Bermondsey & Rotherhithe. An exciting game ended 0 - 0 but we went through courtesy of a vital corner kick. The final was played in the sun against Oxford. Nerves were jangling as we again played out a goalless draw, in front of 30,000 spectators and both teams were relieved to share the trophy.

Now came the long walk up to the Royal Box, which we had seen so many teams do in a similar way on television. We could hardly believe that we were doing likewise. We received the Golden Boot Trophy and all of us also received plaques and pennants. The celebrations could now begin! Numerous photographs were taken on the pitch, in the stands and with the crowd

WHAT A WEEKEND!

 Meeting Peter Shilton before the competition began

Action during the game in front of a 30,000 crowd

Lilleshall 2001

Incredibly, Chester Boys again reached the last four of the ESFA national 7-a-side competition they has performed so well in the season before. With a completely new set of players, they convincingly won the Durham County competition at Pelton Community School in October and, at the same ground, competed in the North of England finals in March.

After topping the group matches, they defeated Tameside in the semi final 2 - 0 and qualified to play Leeds in the final. A tense final resulted in a 0 - 0 scoreline after extra time. Penalties decided the outcome and, after a total of eight penalties taken by each team, Chester Boys became North of England champions for the second time running.

Unfortunately, Wembley was no longer available as a venue and, after having stadiums such as the Millenium Stadium, St James Park, Villa Park and the Majeski Stadium mentioned, the competition was finally staged at the national sports centre at Lilleshall, in Shropshire. Lilleshall was a magnificent setting and overnight stay was enjoyed by the boys and managers, while an enthusiastic group of parents stayed nearby. The loss of Wembley was a big blow and, while the grounds and facilities at Lilleshall were magnificent, the atmoshere of Wembley was missing as the games were played on the outlying pitches.

The opponents in the semi final were Luton SFA and, after going a goal behind in the first half, an equaliser in the second half was just reward for the pressure mounted on the opposition's goal. After extra time, the scores were level and penalties were to decide the outcome once more.

Sadly, after a total of nine penalties by each team, it was Luton who progressed to the finall and went on to lift the trophy. Penalties are, of course, an unsatisfactory solution to any competition but it was essential that a finalist had to be found as was the case when we beat Leeds earlier in the season.

In the play off for third place, it seemed that the stuffing had been knocked out of the team as a result of losing out on penalties and we lost 0 - 2 to East Riding.

It was a disappointed set of players, manager and parents which made the long journey home but the boys can be satisfied that they had played with distinction throughout the tournament and had helped to cement the reputation that Chester-le-Street is now one of the most successful associations in the whole of the country.

Scarborough In October

The Easter tour to Manchester had been a feature of the season for 20 years but, in 1990, it was decided that a change of scenery was called for and so the trip to Scarborough was introduced into the itinerary. The reason for the change was that we felt it would be better to give the boys and parents a chance to bond early in the season and this has proved to be a great success. Matches have been played against Scarborough and North Tyneside each year and, because of the link, close friendships have been formed among these associations.

Over the years, games have been played in a variety of weather conditions, ranging from snow to lovely Autumn sunshine. One year, particularly, stands out when we had to adandon the game at half time but, generally speaking, we have thoroughly enjoyed each tour

A highlight of the trip has got to be the nocturnal activities of Mr J McCormick and his familiarity with the hot spots of Scarborough. Many a parent has been led astray over the years but, in many cases, they are pleading to be asked along to next year's weekend!

Scarborough Weekend: Season 2007-08

Lilleshall 2004

A third trip to the national finals resulted in Chester Boys being noticed throughout the country as the most successful under 11 team around. Winning the Durham County 7-a-Side at Roseberry Sports College was followed up with an exciting victory at the North of England championships. Wins against Carlisle (1-0), Darwen (2-0), East Cleveland (2-0) and a draw against  Spen Valley (1-1) saw us top the group.

A semi final victory over York saw us through to the national finals. Who can forget that headed goal by Jordan Smith deep into the second half! A 0-0 draw in the final against The Wirral menat little as both teams qualified for the nationals.

The national finals proved to be a real anti-climax as a combination of injuries and below par performances saw us go out in the group stages. Typical of the way things went was the first group match against Wolverhampton which started brightly with us taking the lead and looking very lively. However, an equaliser for Wolves followed by an injury to Luke Wilson saw us lose the lead, then the match and, after that, we just didn't get going.

A disappointed party headed back north but it must not be forgotten that the team did exceptionally well the qualify and, as we all know in football, it's what happens on any particular day that counts

 Warming up at Lilleshall. Little did we know that injuries would play a big part in the tournament

Keele 2006

The team once more reached the ESFA national finals to extend the fantastic run of success in this competition. Winning, first of all, the Durham county stage was very difficult and, as we went into the final game, played at Roseberry Sports College in October, it was vital that we secured a win as a defeat would have meant that we would not have qualified. Playing against Peterlee, who were also in with a shout, the scores were level as we entered the final minute when Lewis Skilbeck spotted Aaron Wright in a great position in the box and supplied the vital through ball. Aaron drilled the ball home to win the trophy for the seventh time in ten years.

The north regional finals were played at Sunderland Academy of Light and, after an exciting tournament, we reached the final, where a draw with Preston was enough to see us and Preston through to the national finals, which, this year, was played at Keele University in Staffordshire

Winning the north regional finals at the Academy of Light

The finals, played on a red hot day were exciting. A memebr of Chester-le-Street's team was Thomas Maddison, a Year 5 boy from Red Rose. Choosing a Year 5 boy was unusual but Thomas was deemed good enough and that was proved during the tournament.

The team played extremely well and topped the group after playing three matches. The semi final against Leicester, was the moment the team ran out of luck. Goalkeeper, Jonathan Maddison (Cestria) had been outstanding throughout the season and in the eyes of us who have been around a long time, the best goalkeeper we have ever had. Mishandling the ball for almost the first time in the season, an easy chance was presented to the Leicester striker and that was it. Unfortunately, that is the life of a goalkeeper. Other on the field can make a mistake and often get away with it. But not the goalkeeper! 

Although disappointed at the way things worked out, there is no doubt that the team had played as well as they could. What was not in doubt is that their behaviour and attitude was first class not just at Keele but throughout the year. We look back on the season with great affection.