Sports at St John's

In the late 1940s, after the War ended, St John's was quite a sporty place. It had a very good soccer team playing in the Red Triangle League. It also had a thriving tennis club who played gentle games dressed in immaculate whites - they were regarded as elitist and snobby by the footballers, who were generally well coated in mud. The pitch was on the church field North Lane with an excellent clubhouse made of wood with kitchen, running water ,all Mod cons. It also had a billiard table which was very popular, life was great fun with none of the problems of what to do and where to go. Food and drinks (Tea!) where laid on after games, there were even girls to do the washing up - they were even more popular than billiards.

The Vicar paid regular visits unanounced, we suspected him of having a listen outside the door just to make sure the language was clean and pure. One of the conditions of the Church Council stated the football team must attend morning service on the first Sunday in the month, if not they got the RED CARD. Three dedicated men ran the club - Mr Lockwood, Mr Seely and Mr Hobson the trainer - he was possesed with a voice like a foghorn which he used to great effect as he ran up and down the touchline. I think he could have been heard in Wetherby.

A strange event took place one year when a very talented lad asked to join the team. He was a very good player, the last link to make us as good as Manchester United. The big snag was he was Jewish. The Church Council had to make a big decision. We waited the council deliberated. It was finally decided, he could play but had to attend Church Services once a month. We used to watch him to see how he coped with the ritual and mysteries of the CofE.

Each Year we entered the F.A.cup competition and one year to our delight we were drawn against Leeds United Juniors no less. The game was well advertised and on the big day a vast crowd assembled, about 500 souls.We lost 2-1 but it was a great occasion and no disgrace to lose.

We had wonderful times and also played Cricket in summertime, and the sun always shone. I wonder if anyone else remembers?

John Brook.