Frank Soo, the first person of Chinese and East Asian heritage to play in the English Football League and the first person from an Asian background to play for England, was posthumously inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame during a Championship clash between Stoke City and Derby County. Soo's talent was identified by the same person who spotted legendary player Sir Stanley Matthews, but his wartime international games were not recognized as official matches and he never received a cap for his nine appearances for England. While the Leslie family received an honorary cap for Jack Leslie, who was Black and denied an England debut because of his skin color, the Soo family is still waiting for his honorary England cap.
Frank Soo: Trailblazer in English Football
Frank Soo, a Chinese-born footballer, made an indelible mark on English football history as the first person of East Asian heritage to play in the English Football League and the first from an Asian background to represent England.
Early Life and Career
Born in Hong Kong in 1914, Soo's talent was spotted at a young age by Bob Harrison, a scout who had also discovered legendary player Sir Stanley Matthews. In 1933, he signed for Stoke City, where he made history as the first Asian player to feature in the Football League.
International Career
Soo's performances for Stoke City earned him a call-up to the England national team in 1942. However, due to the ongoing World War II, international matches were not recognized as official by FIFA. As a result, Soo's nine appearances for England went unrecognized, and he never received a cap.
Posthumous Recognition
In 2021, Soo's contributions to football were finally acknowledged when he was posthumously inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. The honor came during a Championship match between Stoke City and Derby County, a poignant moment that commemorated the groundbreaking player.
Ongoing Campaign for Honorary Cap
Despite the posthumous recognition, Soo's family is still campaigning for the English Football Association (FA) to award him an honorary cap. This would recognize his historic achievement and rectify the injustice of his unofficial appearances for England.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why were Soo's wartime international games not recognized as official? Due to the ongoing World War II, FIFA did not recognize international matches during that period.
2. Who else was denied an England debut due to their race or heritage? Jack Leslie, a Black footballer, was denied an England debut in the 1920s due to his skin color.
3. Why is it still important to recognize Soo's contributions today? Soo's story highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in football and inspires future generations of players from all backgrounds.
4. What is the current status of the campaign for Soo's honorary cap? The FA is currently considering the request, and a decision is expected in the near future.
5. What can be done to promote diversity and inclusion in football? Educating about the past, supporting diversity initiatives, and creating equal opportunities for all are crucial steps.
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