St Sidwell's United
1901/02 

Formation 
St Sidwell’s United were formed in 1901 with players from several clubs in Exeter. While there appears to have been particular links to one of these clubs, Exeter Wesleyan United, reports suggest that St Sidwell’s were a new organisation. Sid Thomas, an ECFC Hall of Famer, was a founder member, and he represented the club, along with E.Eveleigh, at the formation of the Exeter & District Junior League on 3 June 1901. St Sidwell’s competed in this League for two seasons. The club’s first ground was off Pinhoe Road, a sloping pitch which would later make way for the development of Monks Road and surrounding streets. Before the 1903/04 season, by which time St Sidwell's United had joined the East Devon Senior League, there was a move to St James’ Park, and at the AGM on the 31 May 1904 a decision was taken to change the club's name to Exeter City Association Football Club.    

St Sidwell's arrive on the scene 



FOOTBALL IN EXETER.

PROPOSED JUNIOR LEAGUE.


A meeting was held on Monday night at St David's Guild House of representatives from various, Junior Association Football Clubs in Exeter for the purpose of discussing the question, of forming a Junior League in Exeter and District. There was a very good attendance,, which should be very encouraging to the promoters of the proposed League, and showed that the interest of the Clubs was keen on the subject. The chair was taken by Mr. E. B. Mitchell (Captain St David's A. F. C.), and the Junior Clubs were repre- sented as follows: -Messrs. F. C. Kirley and G. P. Harvey (Exeter United) T.. L. Brown and R. Edghill (St Luke's), L. Chudley and J. N. Baker (St John's Athletic), S. H. Thomas and E. Eveleigh (St Sidwell United) and J. B. Dennis and J. L. Wilkinson (St David's). The following were also present but did not vote : -Rev. H. S. Wyatt, Messrs. W. C. Curry, E. Hoskins, S. T. Orchard, H. E. Pulman, W. G. Turner, L. H. Westaway, and others.

The Chairman, in welcoming the delegates, said he was very pleased to see so many present, as it showed the interest they felt in the subject. The following resolutions were passed:-
(1) That it is desirable that a Junior League be formed in Exeter and District;
(2) That Mr. J. L. Wilkinson be elected Pro- visional Secretary;
(3) That the Secretary be instructed to write to the Secretaries of the Clubs concerned, asking them to appoint two delegates who would act on the Committee;
(4) That for the first year the League be con- fined to Exeter and suburbs;
(5) That the League be affiliated to the Devon County Association.

Published: Wednesday 05 June 1901
Newspaper: Western Times