Gary Lineker hailed football’s Founding Fathers as the men who ‘changed the world’ as he attended the final event of The FA’s 150th year.
The former England striker and TV host watched on as youngsters from Richmond Academy and Christ’s School played at Barn Elms, close to the venue of the first ever game played under FA rules.
And Lineker paid tribute to Ebenezer Morley, whose initiative led to the founding of The FA and whose grave lies just a goal-kick from where Thursday’s game was taking place.
"I think it's safe to say that they did change the world - they started the game which has become enormous and so global,” said Lineker.
Lineker and Aluko meet the teams from Richmond Academy and Christ's School.
"Here we are now, with millions of people playing football every week in this country.
"It's a game for everybody, of all sizes and all shapes, it's to be enjoyed and it's good to see young players playing the proper way here.”
Lineker was joined at the event by England Women’s striker Eni Aluko, as the pair officially opened a new stand at Barn Elms sports ground.
With the commemorative match taking place alongside separate girls and disability matches, it was a fitting way to bring The FA's 150 anniversary celebrations to a close.
"It's the final celebration of 150 years of The Football Association, and to the day since the first game was played here in Barnes,” added Lineker.
"We've opened a small stand where people can enjoy football and it's about expanding the facilities with The FA investing into grassroots football across the country.”
And when the former Leicester, Everton, Spurs and Barcelona man was asked about what he’d have done if the game wasn’t invented back in 1863, he simply quipped: "If they hadn't sorted it all out 150 years ago, I would have invented it myself!”
To learn more about Ebenezer Morley and the other Founding Fathers of football, as well as The FA’s 150th anniversary, visit www.TheFA.com/FA150.
