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Southern Olympian League Affiliated to the Amateur Football Alliance, London F.A. and Middlesex F.A. |
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| History of the Southern Olympian League In June 1911 a number of Clubs who were unsuccessful in their application for Membership of a well-known A.F.A. League met at the Officers of the A.F.A. and decided to form a League of Senior Clubs and to affiliate to the A.F.A. A strong combination was formed by the commencement of Season 1911-12. The name chosen for the League was the "Olympian League" but this was subsequently altered to "Southern Olympian Amateur Football League" to avoid confusion with a League already in existence under the auspices of the F.A. Of the Clubs originally in Membership only L.C.C. (now Witan) is still a Member of the League. The League enjoyed a successful existence and had been reorganised and considerably strengthened in readiness for Season 1914-15 when came the First World War and the League disbanded. Apparently no effort was made to restart the League after the War and it was not until 1921 that a number of Clubs found themselves in a similar position to 1911. The A.F.A. again took action and the League was restarted under the name of "Southern Olympian League". Fifteen Clubs were admitted to Membership in two Divisions and of these only Centymca and London Welsh are still Members. The League gradually extended its Membership and Reserve XIs were admitted for the first time in 1923-24 and a Minor Section in 1927-28. The status and reputation of the League was greatly enhanced in the Seasons between the wars but in 1939 the Second World War broke out and the League was again disbanded. Immediately hostilities ceased the League was restarted with 8 clubs. The number rapidly increased in succeeding Seasons and in 1948-49 it was possible to form three Senior Divisions, Senior and Junior Challenge Cup competitions were introduced in 1948-49, Minor Cup in 1950-51 and a competition for 4th, 5th and 6th XIs in 1953-54. There followed the new League crest and motto, the League tie, the award of the "Olympian Star" Badge for meritorious services to the League and the publication of the Weekly Result Sheet. The K.B.Elbourne Memorial Award for sportsmanship was introduced in 1964-65. A separate Cup for competition by 5th and lower XIs was inaugurated in 1968-79, the Mander Cup being for 4th XIs only. With clubs becoming larger, an extra cup was introduced in 1980-81 for 6th and lower XIs, named the Thomas Parmiter Cup. The Burntwood Trophy then being restricted to 5th XIs. A cup for Veterans XIs was inaugurated in 1980-81 and in 1986-87 a Veterans Division was formed, which was disbanded at the end of the 1992-93 season. As the League expanded it was necessary to find Officers to cope with the increasing work and tribute must be paid to these gentlemen for their tireless efforts on the League's behalf from which the efficient administration of the present League has developed. Members of the Executive for 10 years or more are appointed Vice-Presidents, and since 1994 have been presented with a League Tie. In 1996 a new Merit Award was introduced to reward long service to the League for those not on Executive Committee or to Clubs or Club Officers where circumstances warrant. Throughout its history the League has earned an enviable reputation for hospitality and good sportsmanship and it is the privilege and duty of the present Clubs and players to maintain and enhance this reputation. SOCIAT OMNES LUDUS |