The Football Association has made two important recognition of these two English football history heroes in recent weeks. Jack Leslie and Frank Soo both made amazing contributions that have largely gone uncelebrated. Leslie, the first Black footballer selected to represent England in 1925, faced discrimination that denied him the chance to play for his country due to the color of his skin. In a recent ceremony, the FA presented a posthumous honorary cap to Leslie’s family, acknowledging his remarkable achievements. A statue was unveiled in his honor outside Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium in 2022. This honor is a tribute to the amazing contributions he has made.
Jack Leslie’s story is one of incredible success as well as immense struggle. Playing as a forward, he scored an impressive 137 goals for Plymouth Argyle, solidifying his status as a club legend. Yet despite his unquestionable talent, he was never capped for England, a call based purely on racial bias. The cap awarded posthumously in 2023 acts as a needed rectification of this historical injustice.
Frank Soo did not go that route. He was the first player of Asian heritage to play for England in wartime, breaking that astonishing ground 81 years ago in 1942. Soo subsequently made his debut in a wartime international match against Wales. He continued to turn out for England during nine unofficial matches between 1942 and 1945. It was a crazy time, and to compound matters, during this tumultuous period, he served in the Royal Air Force. He was a guest player for several football clubs, among them Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Soo’s experience highlights the complexities of representing one’s country during a time when opportunities were scarce and often dictated by race or heritage. He proved his talents on the international stage by playing alongside football greats such as Sir Stanley Matthews and Sir Matt Busby. As the sport faced its own reckoning with inclusion.
“It is time to recognise pioneers like Frank Soo, particularly when players of Asian heritage remain under-represented in our national game.” – Sky Sports
The theme of struggle against society’s opposition to art and personal expression unites both Leslie and Soo’s stories. In our latest installment of Making History, football historian Matt Tiller showcases the history-making impact of Penn’s landmark achievement. Just as Jack Leslie’s amazing club career was blighted by an eye injury in the winter of 1933, so did Frank Soo come through at Stoke City. Tiller points out that while Leslie was barred from receiving international acclaim because of pervasive racial discrimination, Soo did in fact compete for England in wartime.
“Both trailblazers, Jack was denied the chance to play for his country due to the colour of his skin, while Frank did represent England several times.” – Matt Tiller
Soo’s career would continue to prosper long after his playing days. He later assumed management positions throughout Europe including a major post as manager of the Norway national side. His contributions to various clubs in England, such as Scunthorpe United and St Albans City, further cemented his legacy within the sport.
“Frank’s talent won him appearances for England through the Second World War, which meant his international career was ‘unofficial’. But his achievements are remarkable and deserve to be known far and wide.” – Matt Tiller
Frank Soo died in 1991 at the age of 76. He has left a beautiful legacy that shows the struggles and successes of players from every culture and race that play in English football. The attention recently given him and Jack Leslie underscores their prodigious achievements. They serve to remind us all of the ongoing need for better representation within the sport.
Leave a Reply