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A Brief History of Showmens International Football

In 1952 Mr Jack Cullis and Mr Tommy Holland were in london on Showmen's Guild business. Both being members of the Central Council, Jack had an idea about staging a Showmen's International Football match and asked Tommy what he thought about it. Tommy said he liked the idea. As both men were involved with their respective Football Associations, Jack as a member of Scottish Showmen's Social Association and Tommy as a member of the Showmen's Social Association. It was agreed to report back to their committees to agree a format for the occasion. Tommy suggested it would be appropriate to play the match for a cup and asked if anyone knew the whereabouts of the old World's Fair Cup.

The World's Fair Cup had been compeated for in the 1930'2 and 40's by the various club sides from England and Scotland such as Hearts, Thistle, Yorkshire, Lancashire, West of England and the London section Football Club but at this time it had been dormant for a number of years so it was agreed to investigate where the Cup was. After several weeks it still could not be found and when it seemed that a new Trophy would have to be purchased it was discovered in the possession of Mr Sam Seldon Snr of the Lancashire Section. Sam had wisely stored it away at the outbreak of the 2nd World War. Due to its bad state of repair the cup had to be rechromed and engraved. The Trophy went on display at the first International, which took place at Selhurst Park, London, in 1953. With the first International being drawn 3-3, the Cup was shared in the first year by both sides, each keeping it for six months apiece. the first outright winners were Scotland with their victory at Cathkin Park, Glasgow the following year.

Scottish Showmens Football Assocation

In the Scottish Section there are a number of teams catagorised by age. The teams practise weekly during the season and a number of Internationals are played in Scotland including the recent under 17's International played in February in Glasgow. Reports and photos of the matches are in the Worlds Fair.