Local amateur football club, Ecclesfield Red Rose, recently celebrated a hundred years, making them one of the oldest clubs in the area. My Kind of Town recalls some of their history and achievements.

ECCLESFIELD Red Rose kicked off in a league known as 'Medals For Peace', the team originally being called Ecclesfield Red Row - named after a row of red-bricked houses opposite where Morrisons's now stands. Harold Goodison (Snr), J. Watkins, F Eddison, T. Wing, A. Marsden, T. Hemmingfield, S. Gibbons and A. Addy were the founder members and players.

Their original ground was at the Foundry Field, located near Brightside Foundry. They later moved operations to another field in Cowley Lane, Ecclesfield, before switching again to Parker's Field, Station Lane.

The team's playing strip consisted of red and white shirts which cost 1s 11d (9p), black shorts which cost 1s a pair (5p) and were bought from the well-known Sheffield sports outfitters, Suggs.

In 1920, they produced some impressive players who turned professional and went onto greater things. These were R. Goddard who played for Wolves. F. Bungay who joined Huddersfield TownIn 1920, they produced some impressive players who turned professional and went onto greater things. These were R. Goddard who played for Wolves. F. Bungay who joined Huddersfield Town and later Sheffield United, Harry Salt who played with Barnsley, E. Hoyle who went to Sheffield Wednesday and Harold Goodison at Mexborough.

In 1932/33 season, the team became Ecclesfield Red Rose FC and were Junior League winners. Between 1937 and 1972, they ruled supreme being Amateur League winners 14 times, playing on their ground in Ecclesfield Park.

However, in order to progress to a higher level of football another ground was required and another move saw them switch to the Civil Service Ground, Green Lane, for 38 years.

With the second world war, the team temporarily withdrew from football and reformed again in the 1955/56 season under President, G. Comport. In 1956, former professional Frank Bungay took over as club secretary and, with his guidance and experience, some fine players.

After a couple of seasons, the team changed its name to Ecclesfield Prims and played in the Sunday School League.

The team enjoyed moderate success and included some notable players such as Joe Watkins, Ken Gregory, Arnold Marsden and Sam Crossland.

With unstinting dedication the team continued playing in amateur football through the years with varying amounts of success.

In 1957 Alf Goodison, son of founder member Harold, joined the club initially as first aid man. In 1959, he took over as secretary. At the time, Alf believed the team to be the strongest ever with a hard-hitting forward line reaping goals galore.

As secretary he saw the club enjoy some great times as follows; winners of the Sheffield Amateur League 11 seasons out of 12, the Sheffield Junior Cup three times - one of these
was played at Hillsborough when just short of 6,000 spectators watched - The Purdy Cup - three times, The County Senior Premiership twice.

Other trophies included Penistone Memorial Cup, Tinsley Charity Shield, Wharncliffe Charity Cup, Hatchard League (Division 2), Whitbread County Senior League (Division 1 and Premier Division) and Windsor Food Services County Senior League (Division 1).

By the mid-60s, the team had become possibly the most successful post-war
amateur team in the Sheffield area.

Enjoying the success through the years, Alf, from Little High Street, Ecclesfield, was quick to point out that he couldn't have overseen these things without the help of the club's committee and of course his wife, Joan.

It should be noted that Joan herself has played a most important part in the club's continuance, previously as treasurer and handling hospitality at home matches. She is also in charge of doing all the club's laundry with dedication and "wash-day red hands'
Recognising his service and dedication, Alf was voted onto the Hallamshire County F.A. after serving various leagues and he is also on the committee of the Whitbread County Senior League.

Known locally as "Sir Alf', a nickname he justly enjoys, along with the late Brian Bradley, he has been recognised as one of the leading figures in local amateur
football circles.

In 2012, after more than 50 years of service, and with failing health, Alf stood down from his secretarial post. The role went to Malcolm Boswell, who stepped in as manager for season 2016/17, with Scott Lees as his assistant.

Alf retained his position as club chairman, however he is still involved with every game as
he's responsible for blowing up the footballs - with a pump, that is!

In more recent times, the club has fielded a most formidable looking team, maintaining the proud reputation with further successes.

After turning out at various grounds, today they play their games at Chaucer School. Moving to this ground has really contributed towards the team's current status and is a fine compliment to the club, it's players, committee and supporters- 100 years on!

Acknowledging their centenary, in 2015, the club was presented with a scroll from the FA, signed by the then chairman, Gregg Dyke. On behalf of their beloved club, it was most fittingly accepted by Alf and his wife Joan, together with committee members.