John Appleby - 'Mr Staffordshire'
This page is dedicated to John Appleby and his incredible legacy, highlighting how much of a legend John was in schools football. John really was Mr Staffordshire, dedicating his time and comittment to schools football over 50 years. John had an impact upon so many people in the game and leaves an incredible legacy. John worked at Burton Albion, was a pioneer for girls football and was instrumental in making Staffordshire Schools FA the organisation it is today. John's legacy will never be forgotten and everyone involved in SSFA are so grateful for being able to learn from a legend who made it all possible.
In 2020, the first "John Appleby Award for Outstanding Contribution to SSFA" was awarded. This is to recognise individuals with incredible commitments and contributions towards SSFA, and it is fitting that the award is named after John in recogniton of his legendary contribution and everything he did for SSFA. You will never be forgotten, John.
To read more about John, links and photos are posted below:
A fitting tribute to John from his close friend and current ESFA Chairman Phil Harding: https://schoolsfootball.org/2020/08/10/john-appleby-a-loss-to-schools-football/
John Appleby's orbituary in which so many lovely messages have been posted for John's family: https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/80026
A tribute to John from Burton Albion FC where he spent many years with their youth setup: https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2020/august/1108-johnappleby/
A message to John from Alan Shearer: https://twitter.com/StaffsSchoolsFA/status/1282645194454818819?s=20
Below are some of the images of John throughout his involvement with schools football:
