[attach id=285466 size="medium"]The Governor’s Cup.[/attach]
In the late 19th century, servicemen stationed in Malta could not bring their families with them on their tour.
Finding themselves with a lot of free time on their hands and, perhaps, a bit of extra money in their pockets, many of them turned their attention to the wine shops of Valletta, Floriana and Cottonera.
This created a huge problem to the authorities. There were many incidents between Maltese civilians and drunken servicemen but usually such news did not reach the media.
Things got so bad that in 1871 Rev. J. Laverach took the initiative to open the ‘Soldiers and Sailors Home’ in Piazza Maggiore in Floriana. This home was intended to be a counter-measure to the wine shops and houses of low repute that were found in Balzunetta and Strait Street.
The home had a reading room with a well-stocked library, dining and smoking-rooms and also provided sleeping accommodation.
The experiment was a success and in 1882 Laverach opened another branch in Strada Cos-picua. In 1884, they moved to more commodious premises on Santa Margerita Hill.
The Soldiers and Sailors club, or the ‘Rest’ as it was known in Cospicua, was not only instrumental in keeping servicemen away from trouble but it also helped to turn their attention to healthier past times like football.
During the early 1890s football had become so popular in Malta that friendly matches were being played almost daily between Service XIs. It was a natural development, therefore, that a number of servicemen decided to form a committee with the aim of organising a competition based on the English FA Cup.
The Governor gave his permission and a historic meeting was held at the Malta Union Club on December 26, 1891, when the first round draws were held.
Fourteen teams took part and all matches were played at Marsa between January and February 1892.
The Royal Scots Regiment won the cup after beating the 27th Company RA in the final on February 19, 1892.
On their way to the final, the Scots beat the 6th Company RA, the 1st Welsh Regiment, and the 1st Royal Berkshire Regiment.
On their part, the 27th Company RA eliminated Essex Regiment, the 2nd Company RA and Connaught Rangers.
The competition was such a great success that it was decided to be held annually. The trophy, donated by the Governor, was appropriately named The Governor’s Cup.
In the following years, the competition was to grow in popularity with both the British and the Maltese football enthusiasts.
One wonders where this prestigious trophy, and others like it, has ended up. I have a strong suspicion that it is still in Malta, possibly in the Army Headquarters.
It would certainly be a great addition to the proposed Maltese Football Museum if it could be found.