In the days when organised 11 a side football was being established in the 1870s and 1880s the 5 a side game was also prominent. Many football clubs arranged annual athletic sports and the abbreviated game was usually a feature of the programme. The senior St Bernard's won their own sports in 1884, 1886, and 1887 aswell as taking the South Queensferry tournament five times out of six.
Not widely known but St Bernard's last appearance as a senior team was probably at the wartime Charity Athletics Meeting on 25 July 1942 held at New Meadowbank. They took part in the 5 a side competition. In the 1st round they beat Casualty Services, Polish Forces in the Semi Final but lost by a corner to Leith Athletic in the Final. The team that day was Matthews, Derby, Wilkie, McManus and Sheills.
Such meetings are very much a thing of the past and nowadays fives are played on synthetic surfaces especially designed for the purpose. Teams from St Bernard's take part in competitions at these locations .
5/11/2009
Photograph shown is of a special St Bernard's display in the SFA Museum at Hampden Park 2009/2010.
Would moving kids' football to a summer game help improve the development of young footballers?
Yes - better pitches mean a better chance to develop technique/skills
No - wouldn't make any real difference to development
Maybe - but I'd be worried about more injuries on firm pitches
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What would you do to improve the next generation of British footballers?
Youth development has been at the top of the grassroots football agenda lately, so what would you do to help improve the next generation of British talent? Have your say!
