BN_ArthurWhartonFootballer06.jpg
BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)
Pic: AntiquesRoadshow/BNPS
The little-known story of the first professional black footballer to play in England over 100 years ago only to become a poor minner has emerged.
Arthur Wharton was a teenage immigrant from the Gold Coast - Ghana - who came from a wealthy family and was sent to the UK for a Christian education.
While here he developed into an incredibly talented athlete and excelled at running, football and cricket.
After winning the AAA national championships for the 100 yard sprint, Arthur went on to become an accomplished goalkeeper.
In 1888 he signed professional terms with Preston North End who played in the old Division One, what is now the Premier League.
Pic: AntiquesRoadshow/BNPS
The little-known story of the first professional black footballer to play in England over 100 years ago only to become a poor minner has emerged.
Arthur Wharton was a teenage immigrant from the Gold Coast - Ghana - who came from a wealthy family and was sent to the UK for a Christian education.
While here he developed into an incredibly talented athlete and excelled at running, football and cricket.
After winning the AAA national championships for the 100 yard sprint, Arthur went on to become an accomplished goalkeeper.
In 1888 he signed professional terms with Preston North End who played in the old Division One, what is now the Premier League.
©AntiquesRoadshow 3 Jul 2014 1939x1102 / 211.5KB