The Football Association Book For Boys 1965-1966 (18th Edition) is more than just a sports annual—it’s a window into football’s golden age, capturing the spirit and spectacle of British football in the swinging sixties. With its expanded format, this edition dazzles with vivid, full-page photographs and lively illustrations that bring the action of the pitch and the camaraderie of the playground to life. Readers are treated to an immersive experience, with every page echoing the excitement of match day and the dreams of young fans who saw themselves in their heroes.
The highlights of this year’s edition are as varied as they are memorable. Six leading British international stars—Mike England, Bobby Thomson, Peter Thompson, Terry Venables, Tony Waiters, and Frank Wignall—share their insights in full-length articles, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom. The book features exclusive interviews, including a special first-person chat with Roger Hunt, the Liverpool striker whose goal lit up the FA Cup Final. Lavish spreads document Sir Stanley Matthews’ legendary career, while a special World Cup Supplement fuels the anticipation for the 1966 tournament set to unfold on English soil.
Faithful to its educational mission, the annual melds expert advice from The Football Association’s Coaching Department with playful features: cartoons, quizzes, and vivid team spotlights. Young footballers and daydreamers alike found guidance in its pages, learning not just the skills of the game but the values of teamwork and perseverance. This edition moves away from dry statistics, choosing narrative and visual storytelling, but it doesn’t neglect the grassroots, giving special attention to school and youth football across the country.
The book’s coverage of marquee events is generous and visually rich. Iconic moments from the 1965 FA Cup Final between Liverpool and Leeds United, and the FA Amateur Cup Final with Hendon facing Whitby Town, are preserved in crisp, upgraded photographs. For collectors, a well-kept copy—complete with pristine dark blue cloth boards and a heartfelt Christmas inscription—holds both monetary and sentimental value. Priced between £15 and £30 in the UK, this annual remains a cherished keepsake, offering nostalgia, knowledge, and a tangible link to football’s storied past.
This Edition is now protected with Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving
