Stockport County and the County Community Trust joined forces as part of October’s Black History Month celebrations to commemorate the life and legacy of Arthur Wharton, England’s first professional black footballer, who played for County between 1901-1902.
To help unveil a new photograph of Arthur Wharton in the player’s entrance at Edgeley Park, and receive Arthur’s SCAN certificate as a former player, the club welcomed Dorothy Rooney, Arthur Wharton’s granddaughter and oldest living relative to the recent game against Tranmere Rovers.
Dorothy was also joined by Howard Holmes from the Sheffield based project, Football Unites Racism Divides who helped to uncover much of Arthur’s story and Oshor Williams, another ex-County man who is believed to be our second ever black player.
Arthur Wharton was born in Ghana in 1865 and moved to England at the age of 19. He made his footballing debut for Darlington in 1885 before going on to play for Rotherham United and Sheffield United, before joining Stockport County in 1901, his last professional club.
As well as a professional footballer, Arthur was also a sprint champion, winning the AAA 100 yard sprint in 10 seconds and also played cricket for local teams in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Unfortunately, after leaving professional football, Arthur fell on hard times and died penniless in a Yorkshire workhouse.
The celebrations were part of a month-wide series of activities across the club as part of the new County Collective campaign, which also included visits to the Junior Academy from Tanto Olaofe and Akil who delivered a workshop on the importance of Black History Month,
Ellie O’Connor, the club’s Head of People and EDI lead said:
“At Stockport County, we take great pride in celebrating our history and those who have contributed to our legacy. As part of Black History Month, we were honoured to celebrate the life and career of England’s first black professional footballer and former County player Arthur Wharton at our recent game against Tranmere Rovers.
“This was made even more special by having Dorothy in attendance. Under our newly launched Equality, Diversity & Inclusion campaign ‘County Collective’ we aim to celebrate our diverse history and continue to introduce initiatives which will make Edgeley Park a place where everyone feels welcomed, safe and valued”.
