Frank Soo to be inducted into National Football Museum's Hall of Fame
Presentation take place at half-time on Saturday
Former Potter Soo was the first player of Asian heritage to represent England

Former Stoke City and England international footballer Frank Soo will be inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame at half-time of Saturday’s EFL Championship clash against Derby County.

Soo, who became the first player of Asian heritage to represent the Three Lions when he appeared in a wartime international in 1942, will be recognised for his pioneering achievement during a pitchside presentation with members of the Frank Soo Foundation.

The National Football Museum Hall of Fame aims to celebrate and highlight the achievements of those who have made an outstanding contribution to English football. The Hall of Fame also acknowledges and champions the careers of those whose impact extended beyond the pitch.

The Frank Soo Foundation was founded in 2017 to advance the public’s knowledge of the story and legacy of Soo, and to carry on his life passion of supporting the next generation of young footballers.

Children from Stoke Minster school, situated on Frank Soo Street, will join members of Frank's family and the foundation on a walk to the bet365 Stadium, where the pupils will present a flag which they have designed to mark the occasion.

“It is wonderful to see Frank Soo honoured with induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. It means a lot to us, our communities and also the Soo family,” Alan Lau of the Frank Soo Foundation explained.

“This recognition highlights the positive effect that people from ESEA and Pan-Asian communities have had on football and we hope this will inspire the next generations of boys and girls to aspire to be the next Frank Soo.”

Tim Desmond, CEO of The National Football Museum, added: “We are delighted to induct Frank Soo into our Hall of Fame, celebrating not only his achievements on the pitch but also his role as a pioneer for being England’s first-ever player of Asian descent.

“The National Football Museum is proud to be representative of football in all its diversity and Frank must have overcome a lot of social barriers to achieve at the highest level in the game.

“His story is incredibly inspiring and we hope this induction contributes to his legacy.”

Soo was born in Derbyshire and later raised in Liverpool to a Chinese father and an English mother. His football career began at the age of 18 at Prescot Cables FC.

He enjoyed a successful club career, most notably with the Potters, playing for many years alongside Sir Stanley Matthews. He amassed over 170 appearances in red and white stripes, including a prolonged spell as club captain.

After the war, he played for Leicester City, Luton Town and Chelmsford City.

On May 9, 1942, against Wales at Cardiff City’s Ninian Park, Soo was the first non-white person to play for England and still is the only player of an Asian background to reach that level for the men’s team.

Frank Soo National Football Museum induction to take place on Saturday