Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 14 June 1941

Schoolboy International Footballer

Leslie Thompson (18), the schoolboy international footballer, and son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Thompson, of Middlecliffe, has for the last seven months been enjoying life in the R.A.F.

He is now on the south coast and has assisted his “Wing” at football.

Before enlistment he was at a Government Training Centre in Leeds.

Leslie captained Dearne Valley Schoolboys, Yorkshire Schoolboys and finally achieved his ambition when he captained the English team. After that he was presented with a gold watch from friends in the Middlecliffe area, and Wilf. Copping, of Leeds United, made the presentation.

A large framed photograph of Leslie wearing his International cap, hangs in the hall of Great Houghton Council School.

Leslie’s photograph in R.A.F. uniform will also now hang in the hall in the picture gallery of old boys with the Forces.