Robert Watson Willis

Robert Watson Willis[1] (26 July 1843 – 16 January 1892) was a British sportsman. He served as the second secretary of the Football Association from 1866 to 1867, succeeding Ebenezer Morley.[2] He also served on the FA's committee from 1867 to 1872.[2]

Like Morley, Willis was a member of Barnes Football Club, and took part in the historic London v. Sheffield match of 1866.[3] He served as secretary to the Barnes Club from 1864 to 1867, and as captain of the club from 1867 to 1870.[4][5][6] Morley described him as "a warm admirer of the game and an excellent footballer".[7]

Willis was also a keen oarsman, competing in a pair with fellow footballer (and brother-in-law) Robert Graham, who succeeded him as FA secretary in 1867.[8]

  1. ^ "Football Association". The Sporting Life. London: 1. 3 February 1867.
  2. ^ a b n.a. [Geoffrey Green] (1953). History of the Football Association. London: Naldrett Press. pp. 82–84.
  3. ^ "London v Sheffield". Bell's Life in London: 7. 24 March 1886.
  4. ^ "Barnes Football Club Athletic Sports". Bell's Life in London: 10. 1 April 1865.
  5. ^ "Barnes Football Club". Bell's Life in London: 8. 24 April 1866.
  6. ^ "Barnes Football Club". Sporting Life: 3. 9 March 1867.
  7. ^ "The Football Association". Bell's Life in London (2288): 7. 24 February 1866.
  8. ^ "Champion Pairs". Morning Advertiser: 3. 22 July 1867.