Frank Soo: Football Pioneer and First Asian-British Player in the English Football League
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Frank Soo (8 March 1914 – 25 January 1991) was a pioneering British footballer of Chinese descent who played for Stoke City, Chelsea, and England during the mid-20th century. He was the first person of Asian descent to represent England at football.
Life and Career
Frank Soo was born in Derbyshire, England, on 8 March 1914. His parents were both of Chinese descent and ran a popular fish and chip shop in the area. Soo was the fourth of five children, and he grew up playing football with his brothers. He attended a local school before being scouted by Stoke City at the age of 17.
Soo made his debut for Stoke City in 1933 and quickly became a regular in the first team. He played as a half-back, known for his excellent passing ability and tactical awareness. Soo played for Stoke City for eight seasons, making over 170 appearances for the club.
Renowned for an artful playing style, dignified ball control, and precise passing, the charismatic Soo was named team captain at age 27 and rose to a level of national celebrity. In 1940, Soo moved to Chelsea, where he played for three seasons before the outbreak of World War II interrupted his career. During the war, Soo played for the Royal Air Force and the Combined Services team. After the war, he played for a number of clubs, including Luton Town, Chelmsford City, and Corinthians.
Soo’s most significant achievement came in 1942 when he was selected to play for England in a wartime international against Wales. He became the first person of Asian descent to represent England at football, and he went on to play five more times for the national team.
In 1940, following the outbreak of World War II, Soo enlisted in the Royal Air Force and continued his legacy as the captain of its football team. Though England’s Football Association deemed its wartime matches unofficial, Soo went on to represent his country in nine such international fixtures by 1945.
Soo retired from playing in 1950 and moved on to a successful international coaching career that lasted over three decades. His legacy lives on in the increasingly diverse English team that plays today. After retiring from playing, Soo became a coach and managed a number of teams, including Scunthorpe United and the Hong Kong national team. Frank Soo passed away on 25 January 1991, at the age of 77.
Award and Legacy
Frank Soo’s legacy as a pioneering Asian footballer has been recognized in recent years. He paved the way for other Asian players in British football and helped to break down racial barriers in the sport. Soo’s story has been told in books, documentaries, and other media, ensuring that his contribution to football history is not forgotten.
On 9 May 2020, Google celebrated Frank Soo with a doodle. On this day in 1942, Soo made his international debut in a match against Wales, becoming the first person of non-European descent—and only ever of Asian heritage—to represent the country’s team at the highest level.
Famous quotes by Frank Soo?
Here are some quotes attributed to Frank Soo:
There isn’t a well-known quote attributed to Frank Soo, but one of his most memorable moments was when he was asked about the challenges he faced as a Chinese footballer in Britain during a time of racial prejudice. He reportedly replied, “I’m not a Chinaman playing football. I’m a footballer who happens to be of Chinese descent.” This quote exemplifies Soo’s determination to be recognized for his footballing ability rather than his ethnicity.
FAQ on Frank Soo
Soo played as a half-back, known for his excellent passing ability and tactical awareness.
Soo’s most significant achievement came in 1942 when he was selected to play for England in a wartime international against Wales. He became the first person of Asian descent to represent England at football.
After retiring from playing, Soo became a coach and managed a number of teams, including Scunthorpe United and the Hong Kong national team.
Frank Soo passed away on January 25, 1991, at the age of 77.
Frank Soo’s legacy as a pioneering Asian footballer has been recognized in recent years. He paved the way for other Asian players in British football and helped to break down racial barriers in the sport. Soo’s story has been told in books, documentaries, and other media, ensuring that his contribution to football history is not forgotten.
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