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Display on 89 years of the JW Hunt Cup

IT has been held for almost 90 years – a competition which has seen hundreds of footballers compete for the region's bragging rights.

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And this year, organisers of the annual JW Hunt Cup are marking its 89th anniversary with a display of framed photographs, old match-day programmes and medals.

The tournament, which was recently won for the second time in succession by Tividale FC, started in 1926 to raise funds for the benefit of local blind people.

Short Heath United FC, one of the original teams to play in the first year of the J.W. Hunt Cup, in 1926, part the J.W. Hunt Cup exhibition, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.
Short Heath United FC, one of the original teams to play in the first year of the J.W. Hunt Cup, in 1926, part the J.W. Hunt Cup exhibition, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.

When the takings from this year's tournament are counted, tournament chairman Alex Hamil MBE believes the grand total will stand at just over £300,000.

He said: "It is wonderful to look back at the history of this tournament.

"It's longevity alone is amazing.

The 1928 FA Cup final ball, part of the J.W. Hunt Cup exhibition, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.
The 1928 FA Cup final ball, part of the J.W. Hunt Cup exhibition, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.

"Since it started, there hasn't been a year where it hasn't been held, including when the Second World War was taking place.

"This is what local football is all about and it is amazing to see how much the people in Wolverhampton love this tournament.

"The exhibition itself was a great success, people from all over the world who were visiting the Black Country Living Museum came and had a look, some even made a donation."

Former referee Mr Hamil teamed up with 2015 cup final referee Phil Reade, of Wednesfield, to publicise the display while it was at the museum at Dudley.

Each year, the final of the JW Hunt Cup, where teams compete from the Birmingham, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire Football Associations, is held at Molineux. The inaugural winners were Short Heath United, who beat Cannon Iron.

Short Heath United FC, one of the original teams to play in the first year of the J.W. Hunt Cup, in 1926, part the J.W. Hunt Cup exhibition, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.
Short Heath United FC, one of the original teams to play in the first year of the J.W. Hunt Cup, in 1926, part the J.W. Hunt Cup exhibition, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.

The trophy is named in memory of John William Hunt, a local businessman and benefactor who founded the local Chillington Tool Company and was a supporter of local charities.

The firm's trademark was the 'crocodile', and the crocodile is incorporated into the trophy handles. Mr Hamil said: "I don't think the original organisers could have imagined it lasting this long.

"However, today we are stronger than ever and I am looking forward to the future of the JW Hunt Cup."

The JW Hunt history exhibition will next go on display at the Goodyear Pavilion Club in Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, on September 18.