The Football Association Book For Boys 1964-1965 (17th Edition) serves as a vivid snapshot of British football during the vibrant sixties. Published by William Heinemann Ltd, this annual bursts with the energy and optimism of a golden era for the sport. Its pages are packed with contributions from football’s finest Joe Baker, Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, Eusebio, and more, each lending their expertise and personality to a lively array of stories, coaching tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The book’s expanded format for this edition means bigger, brighter photographs and illustrations, capturing the drama of match days and the camaraderie of the schoolyard, ensuring every reader feels part of the beautiful game.
True to its roots, the annual serves not just as a chronicle but as an educational companion, produced in close collaboration with the Football Association’s Coaching Department. Articles blend practical advice from legendary players and managers with lighter features—cartoons, quizzes, and team spotlights. For young footballers and dreamers, these insights offered both instruction and inspiration, linking the thrills of Saturday matches to the skills honed on local pitches. The 1964-65 edition departs from publishing full season statistics, focusing instead on narrative and visual storytelling, but retains special attention for school and youth football, notably featuring team photos from the U15 Inter Association Cup.
The book devotes generous coverage to the year’s marquee events, most notably the 1964 FA Cup Final between West Ham United and Preston North End and the FA Amateur Cup Final with Crook Town facing Enfield. Through extensive photo spreads, these matches leap from the page every goal, save, and celebration rendered in crisp detail, thanks to the upgraded photographic quality of the new larger format. The inclusion of teams like Erdington & Saltley SFA and Chester-le-Street SFA underlines the annual’s commitment to grassroots football, highlighting the journey from school pitches to Wembley’s hallowed turf.
Collectors and fans alike treasure well-preserved editions like this, not only for their evocative content but also for their physical charm. This particular copy, with its spotless red cloth boards, tight binding, and unclipped price, is further adorned with a neat Christmas gift inscription, adding a personal touch and a whisper of history. In the UK market, such examples fetch £15–£30 or more, depending on condition and rarity. For anyone passionate about football’s rich past, The Football Association Book For Boys 1964-1965 remains a delightful blend of nostalgia, knowledge, and collectible value.
This Edition is now protected with Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving
