For boys growing up in post-war Britain, the second edition of *The Football Association Book for Boys* (1949-1950) was more than just a book—it was a gateway to a world of football dreams. Published by The Naldrett Press in London, this hardback annual transported young readers from muddy pitches and weathered boots straight to the very heart of the beautiful game. Its pages brimmed with vivid stories, action-packed illustrations, and unique behind-the-scenes glimpses, contributed by some of football’s biggest names, including Tom Finney, Stan Mortensen, and Walter Winterbottom. With 192 pages of rich content, the annual was devoted as much to inspiring the next generation as it was to celebrating the sport’s greatest moments.
The magic of the F.A. Book for Boys lay in its uncanny ability to keep the excitement of football alive long after the final whistle. It offered quizzes to stretch your knowledge, league tables to study, and puzzles to puzzle over on winter evenings by the fire. The annual was never just for boys, either—fathers often found themselves lured in by its charm, reliving memories of their own footballing youth. Practical tips, thoughtful articles, and lively competitions combined to make it the most sought-after annual on any young supporter’s shelf.
Physical copies of the 1949-1950 edition are now a rarity, especially those with their original dust jackets, even when they show the marks of nearly eighty years’ loving use. This particular copy boasts bright boards and a tight binding, while every page—including the endpapers—remains spotless: a true collector’s item. The dust jacket, now shielded by archival covering, speaks of decades spent being cherished and handed on. Owning a copy is like holding a tangible piece of football history—a direct link to the days when heroes wore heavy boots and every match report was read with wide-eyed awe.
What truly sets this annual apart is the star-studded cast of contributors, whose names still resonate across the footballing world. The likes of John Arlott and Charles Buchan infused the pages with authority and warmth, while features by Johnny Carey and Joe Mercer delivered expert advice for would-be players. The book’s unique blend of nostalgia, practical wisdom, and sheer football joy ensures it remains a treasured collectible, evocative of a time when the game was perhaps simpler, but no less thrilling than today.
The cover was specially painted for The FA Book for Boys by Bernard Venables. Throughout the early editions of this series, numerous artists—some of whom later became well-known—contributed drawings and sketches. There is even a blog dedicated to the work of these artists on the subject. Forgotten British Artists 
