Durham County Schools FA

Centenary

Durham County Schools' FA Centenary Celebration One hundred years of people, places and schools' football in County Durham. This history, compiled by some of the senior but still active members of the County organisation, described in the Northern Echo as "splendid" and "a perfect Christmas homework".

Centenary Celebration Dinner: Click on thumbnail to view larger image then use PREVIOUS key to return.

Over 150 people connected to the schools' football world assembled at the Metro Centre Marriott Hotel for a celebration dinner to mark the centenary of the association. It was a splendid occasion involving current teachers and many of their retired predecessors who enjoyed the opportunity to renew acquaintances and swap stories. County officials were delighted to welcome representatives of several local authorities who give sterling support to schools' football as well as present and former dignitaries of English Schools F.A. and representatives from our traditional local rivals, Northumberland. Guest of honour duties were shared by George Courtney, a former headmaster whose initial foray into refereeing at school level, led him onto a career which climaxed at World Cup finals, and Colin Suggett, who first represented his school at the age of seven, went on to play in the final of the English School's Trophy, (the schoolboys FA Cup) before embarking on a glittering professional career as a player, coach and scout.