“Something of a polymath” was how Marlborough College Master, Jonathan Leigh described William S Bambridge, in whose memory the shield bearing his name was created, to be awarded to the winners of an annual match between the Marlborough College 1st XI and Marlborough Town Football Club’s Under 18 team.
The inaugural match, played earlier this afternoon (Sunday 23 April) on the College Wedgwood Pitch resulted in a narrow 2-1 victory for ‘Town’ over ‘Gown’. Tom Beadle of MTFC received the Man of the Match award.
William Bambridge was instrumental in taking Marlborough Town Football Club to it’s current home in Elcot Lane, back in July 1904 whilst he was Director of Music at the College, so the Shield celebrates not just his achievements in bringing all the football teams playing in the Marlborough area under one banner and to one home, but also for creating the strong link between Marlborough College and one of the Town’s major longstanding institutions, Marlborough Town Football Club.
“A polymath”, stated College Master Jonathan Leigh, who added that he “was Director of Music, had three brothers who played for England and was a founder of many of the FA rules”.
As well as his legacy within the College and the Football Club, William S Bambridge was instrumental in drawing up the rules of football for the FA. Many of the original rules still abide today, not just in this country but worldwide, so the mark that he left had an influence right across the globe, making football the most successful and popular game ever.
If that wasn’t enough he was Mayor of Marlborough, twice. And an Alderman of the Borough.
“We are all very proud to have made this happen” said Chris Hull, chairman of MTFC. ”It’s taken some time, but if it wasn’t for William Bambridge our football club wouldn’t be what it is today so it’s very important to establish his role in our history” he added.
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