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Joe Booth Named to Soccer Hall of Fame Former Post Correspondent Supervised Game for Many YearsBy EDWARD J. SHUGRUEThe late Joe Booth, who was often credited for bringing big-time” soccer into Connecticut during his tenure as a league official and referee, has been named to Soc-cer’e Hall of Fame.His name was formally presented at a meeting of The Old Time Soccer Association in Philadelphia, March 31, and a scroll indicating his appointment has been sent to his widow. Mrs. Joseph Booth of 114 Great Meadow road. Stratford.In addition to serving on the field for the game he loved Mr, Booth was for many years soccer correspondent, for The Bridgeport Post. Many years before his death he operated a confectionary store on East Main street which served as a meeting place for all soccer leagues.Mr. Booth was born in Branford, England in 1884 and was a star# player in his native land as a I youth. He soon branched out as an i official and served six years as ! president of the Bradford district league. He was an official English j league referee for 10 years and j handled more than 500 contests. In ; one stretch Joe refereed some 18 j different games in eight days.He came to the United States in 1910 and immediately took up residence in Bridgeport, and from the time of his arrival the sport started' to flourish here. He spent three years as a referee before taking j over as secretary of the Connecticut league in 1913. The next year | be organized the Connecticut B'oot-secretary until illness forced him to retire some 25 years later.Joe was instrumental in having, soccer introduced in Bridgeport’s j public and parochial schools, al-j though it has sinca been abandoned except by the parochial schools.He organized the State amateur league in 1914, and in 1924 formed the Players’ Protective association, which provided funds for stars injured in competition. Mr. Booth j held many national offices and was three times vice president of the United States Football association.Mrs. Joe Booth tebovo) is shewn holding the certificate announcing her late husband's appointment to Soccer’s Hall of Fame. On the right ie a photograph of Mr. Booth taken before his death in 1947.
Newspaper Details
Bridgeport Sunday Post
Bridgeport, Connecticut, US
Sun, Apr 27, 1952
Page 46
Full Page
Clipped by
William D.
USA 26 Mar 2025
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