Billy Letford handed in this football shield, which he says he found in his father’s loft.
The inscription on the front of the shield reveals it was played for in the Angus Amateur Association Alliance League, and presented to the association by CHE Bilton, Esq, in 1935.
Billy’s dad is, of course, John Letford, a former Lord Provost of Dundee.
In another life, John is also a very well-known and respected figure on the old Sunday Boys League scene in Dundee with his involvement with St Columba BC.
“Some of the names on the shield bring back fantastic memories and I’m sure BwB readers would like to see it,” said Billy.
“It seems to have been first played for in the 1934-35 season, with the final badge on it revealing St Columba YC won it in 1971-72.
“That’s probably why dad still had it in his loft.
“Dad can’t recall the reason he still had it but does think St Columba won the league a couple of seasons in succession.”
Closely scrutinising the shield, I’m firmly of the view it is the shield given out to the Angus Amateur Football Association U/16 or U/18 League champions but more probably U/16.
This Saturday football league, of course, was a forerunner to the Dundee Sunday Boys League, which started to take off in the early 1970s.
There are some great names of football teams of the past.
They are listed below and it would be great if BwB readers could follow this up by telling a tale or two about any of these teams and, even better, supplying a photo.
As listed on the shield, the small badges reveal . . .
1934-35 Tayport Rangers.
1935-36 Clepington Rovers.
1936-37 Hawkhill FP.
1937-38 Lochee Celtic.
1938-39 Aviemore.
1948-49 Ashdale Minor XI.
1950-51 Dudhope Castle Minors XI.
1950-51 St Stephen’s AFC.
1951-52 Butterburn Minors.
1952-53 St Mary’s Forebank.
1953-54 St Mary’s Forebank.
1954-55 Butterburn Minors.
1955-56 SS Peter and Paul.
1957-58 Butterburn Youth Club.
1959 Dundee Lawside Rangers.
1960-66 Butterburn Youth Club (note several seasons in a row).
1966-67 Arbroath Lads Club.
1967-68 Fintry Community Centre.
1968-69 St Francis.
1969-70 St Patrick’s.
1970-71 Butterburn Youth Club.
1971-72 St Columba YC.
1950-51 is attributed to two clubs, so I assume they either were joint winners of the league or one should be 49-50 (which is not there) . . . unless, of course, you know better.
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