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The Scottish FA today (30 November) marked 150 years since the first official men’s international football game – Scotland vs England at the West of Scotland Cricket Ground in Partick, Glasgow.   Picture: SFA
The Scottish FA today (30 November) marked 150 years since the first official men’s international football game – Scotland vs England at the West of Scotland Cricket Ground in Partick, Glasgow. SFA

Historic football match is replayed in Partick

Schoolchildren represent Scotland and England in first international game

School pupils recreated the first international football match 150 years after it was played in the West End of Glasgow.

Two teams from Hyndland Primary School donned the strips of Scotland and England at West of Scotland Cricket Ground in Partick.

The kids even wore baggy shorts to give the occasion a vintage feel.

Back in 1872, the historic inaugural international - the first encounter between any two nations and the forerunner to the modern international game - ended goalless.

Anniversary

This time around, the battling blues were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the team in white.

Two teams from Hyndland Primary School donned the strips of Scotland and England
Two teams from Hyndland Primary School donned the strips of Scotland and England

More than 100 dignitaries and spectators attended the event, which was organised by the Scottish FA.

Scotland player Craig Gordon surprised the children by joining in with the match.

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell: “It is an honour to visit the West of Scotland Cricket Ground on the 150th anniversary of the first-ever international football game, to walk in the footsteps of the first Scotland team.”

Graeme Brown from football heritage group Hampden Collection said: “This original ‘Great Match’ provided the ignition switch and launchpad for the explosion of football across Glasgow and Scotland, leading to the trailblazing Scotch Professors taking their beautiful game to the world.

 

This original ‘Great Match’ provided the ignition switch and launchpad for the explosion of football across Glasgow and Scotland, leading to the trailblazing Scotch Professors taking their beautiful game to the world.

Graeme Brown

 

“This match is the foundation stone of modern football, and our #Fitba150 programme ensures it is celebrated, and gains the recognition it deserves.”

Colin Taylor, great-grandson of Queen’s Park and Scotland’s Joseph Taylor, who attended the celebration, said: “Growing up in England, my dad (Joseph’s Grandson) always looked out for Queen’s Park’s results.

“When he passed away, I was inspired to research my family history and was amazed to discover my great grandfather’s role in such a significant moment in world football history.

The young players even wore baggy shorts to give the occasion a vintage feel
The young players even wore baggy shorts to give the occasion a vintage feel

“It is a humbling experience to stand where he did, 150 years later.”

On St Andrew’s Day, 30 November 1872, the size of the crowd that day is uncertain, and estimates range between 2,500 and 4,000.

All eleven players for the Scotland team were selected from the membership of Queen’s Park FC.

'Proud'

Colin Mair, Chairman of West of Scotland Cricket Club: “West of Scotland Cricket Club has always been very conscious and extremely proud of our Hamilton Crescent ground’s heritage and its highly significant place in Scottish and world sporting history.

“Very few grounds anywhere can have held internationals in four different sports - cricket, football, hockey and rugby.

This time around, the battling blues were were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the team in white
This time around, the battling blues were were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the team in white

“We are delighted to welcome representatives and supporters of Scottish football to the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first-ever football international on St Andrew’s Day.”

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