Edinburgh has long been a city that nurtures talent, providing a stage for its people to realise their professional potential. After all, it is the people who are largely responsible for a city’s development and its standing in the world. In this regard, Edinburgh has been incredibly fortunate. More at iedinburgh.
The city has produced countless talented individuals who have made their mark on the international stage. Culture, science, and of course, sport, are the main arenas where Edinburgh’s finest have produced astonishing achievements. The city is also home to various associations, organisations, and clubs that act as a launchpad for gifted people to build successful futures.
Leith Athletic Football Club is a prime example, with a particularly fascinating history.
How It All Began
The club was founded in 1887 and, by 1891, had joined The Scottish Football League. It’s fair to say the team got off to a successful start. However, after finishing a respectable 4th out of 12 in 1892, the club had to apply for re-election in both 1894 and 1895. This initiative ended with their relegation to The Scottish Football League Second Division.
In the Second Division, the team performed admirably, finishing as runners-up on three separate occasions in 1896, 1897, and 1899. Despite this, they consistently failed to secure enough votes for a return to the First Division. When a vote at the end of the 1905 season also ended in failure, a new limited liability company was formed to take over the old club’s assets. Consequently, the original Leith Athletic was liquidated.
New Beginnings
Following these changes, the team was renamed Leith F.C. This new era began successfully, as the team won The Scottish Second Division championship in 1906. However, despite this triumph, the club was denied entry to the First Division. Preference was given to Clyde Football Club and Hamilton Academical Football Club instead.
A Period of Success
The club temporarily ceased activities during the First World War. In 1919, it decided to revert to its old name, Leith Athletic, and joined The Western League. After a successful 1923/24 season, the club was admitted to The Scottish Football League Third Division.
In 1926, the team won The Third Division championship. Unfortunately, this victory had no impact on the elections for the Second Division, and the team was eliminated during the third round of voting. At that point, it became clear that Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian were doing everything possible to block the club’s progress.
A Twist of Fate
This turn of events meant the club was set to return to The Scottish Football Alliance. However, in a remarkable twist of fate in 1927, the team was admitted to The Scottish Football League, taking the place of Nithsdale Wanderers Football Club. By 1930, the team had won The Second Division championship, finally earning promotion to The Scottish Football League First Division.
An Abrupt End
In 1946, the club became a founding member of the new Scottish Football League Third Division. The following year, when the Second Division was expanded to 16 teams, Leith Athletic was included. However, events later unfolded in such a way that the club was forced to cease its activities in 1955.
Back in the Game
The team was reborn in 1996 with the creation of a new Leith Athletic. This new club brought together teams from various age groups, from five-year-olds to a senior side, which was admitted to The Central Scottish Amateur Football League.
By 2005, the club was competing at the Scottish amateur international level. In 2008, Leith Athletic merged with Edinburgh Athletic Football Club, and together they joined The East of Scotland Football League.
Further Developments
In 2011, Leith Athletic was promoted to The East of Scotland Premier Division. However, the club soon found itself in a lower league. It wasn’t until 2013 that the team managed to reclaim its place in the Premier Division, later going on to win the league title.
Edinburgh’s sporting history is rich with valuable stories, and for the fans of any particular club, this information is treasured. When studying the past of Edinburgh football, a clear pattern emerges: many teams have gone through turbulent times, sometimes even having to fold, only to return and make their mark once more. Leith Athletic Football Club is no exception. Having returned, it has undoubtedly become more successful, resilient, and stronger than ever.