A Macclesfield footballer's role in a unique moment in the history of the sport features in a new exhibition.

Fred Goodwin was a winger for the Silkmen between 1907 and 1910. He later joined Exeter City, which was chosen by the Football Association to take part in a tour to South America in 1914.

During this tour Fred and his team mates became the first side in history to play the Brazilian national football team, which grew into the greatest force in world football.

However, Fred's promising career was cut short through injury when he fought in the First World War.

Now the extraordinary true story of the tour features in an online exhibition. It is also being turned into a production for the stage by the Exeter community in time for the World Cup in Rio next year - the centenary of the famous match.

While some information about Fred's football career is known, Alison Flack, a researcher for the project, is appealing for information about what happened to him after the war.

Alison, whose great great uncle Jimmy Rigby played alongside Fred, said: "The team were invited to represent the FA as a 'typical' team to tour Argentina in 1914.

"On the return journey they stopped off in Rio and played three matches, including one against what is now considered to be the first Brazilian national team.

"Fred was, it appears from my research, a good player. I have managed to track down some family members from other players but I would love to hear from any of your readers have any information that can help me find out what happened next to Fred."

 

Fred Goodwin was born in Macclesfield and signed from Congleton to the Silkmen in 1907. He was described as a 'robust clever forward' who was quick and skillful.

He made his debut on September 7 against Northwich Victoria away and went on to play all but one league games that season.

He helped the team to win the Manchester League Championship in 1908/09 but only made two mid-season appearances in his last season at the Moss Rose.

Fred then played for Brighton and West Ham United before moving to Exeter City in 1913. A year later he made history by playing the first ever Brazilian national side.

His career was interrupted by the First World War and Fred joined the 17th Service Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, known as the Footballers Battalion because it was made up primarily of professional footballers.

However, Fred was injured during the fighting and never played again.

Fred's role in the story features in an online exhibition - www.grecianvoices.com - and a play called The Day we Played Brazil will be staged next summer after the World Cup.

If you know what happened to Fred contacted reporter Stuart Greer on 0161 211 2061 or email stuart.greer@menmedia.co.uk