Fan Article The birth of another Everton! Jim Milner 23/06/2025 17comments | Jump to last Cerro Alegre, Valparaíso — Thursday, 24 June 1909The Birth of a Dream On the steep, sea-kissed slopes of Cerro Alegre, as the morning mist still clung to the tiled rooftops of Valparaíso, a small group of boys gathered at the Foxley family home. The city below was waking slowly, but in that house on the hill, history was already stirring. David N Foxley Chapman — only 14 years old, but already a natural leader — was hosting the meeting. Alongside him sat classmates from Valparaíso High School and The Mackay School, friends united not just by youthful energy but by a shared dream: to create something of their own. Something lasting. They were still boys — none older than 16 — yet the idea they carried was bold. Fueled by headlines and schoolyard talk of the recent football tour through Argentina and Uruguay by two famous English clubs, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, they imagined a team that could carry that same spirit onto Chilean soil. Whispers had swirled about those teams coming to Chile next — but the plans fell through. Still, the spark had been lit. And so, on the evening of Saint John’s Day, they chose a name. Not just any name, but a tribute to a club from faraway Liverpool: Everton. A symbol of heritage, excellence — and family history. The Foxley family had emigrated from Liverpool in the 1850s, they had worshipped in St Peter’s Church, which would later become Everton's first opponent since their name change from St Domingo’s. So, with the tour of South America and the family connections, there could be only one name that could be chosen. However, no one in that modest room could have predicted what was beginning. There were no brass bands, no waving flags. Just earnest voices, big dreams, and the conviction of youth. The minutes of that first meeting read like the opening lines of an epic: The gathering opened at 5:10 am — whether from youthful impatience or simply eagerness is unknown. David’s father, David Foxley Newton, a 48-year-old Englishman born in Liverpool, was named Honorary President. 14-year-old Frank Boundy Jones took the title of President. David himself was chosen as Captain. His younger brother, Arthur — just 12 — was appointed Assistant Secretary. The rest of the board read like a school register more than a boardroom list: Percy Holmes, Alberto and Carlos González, Hugh Boundy, and others barely in their teens. The first official act of this newborn club? A challenge match. Graphie FBC would be their first opponent. The date was set: Tuesday, 29 June. The First Match That Tuesday morning dawned cold and grey. At 10 am, on a field now lost to time, Everton FC of Valparaíso stepped out for the very first time. Their boots were dusty, their shirts likely mismatched — or perhaps nonexistent. No one remembers the kit. No photos remain. But the lineup is preserved: Arthur Foxley stood in goal; his older brother David led the line. Hugh Boundy played midfield on his 13th birthday. Percy Holmes, Julio Escobar, Alfredo Aravena — all part of that pioneering XI. Their opponents, Graphie, had come with something less noble in mind. Twelve players took the field. One of them, “Gederlini,” wasn’t even on their team—borrowed, without permission, from a rival club. Everton protested, but the game went on. They fought hard, those boys. The first half ended scoreless. But after the break, Graphie found the net. Everton lost, 1–0. It was a humble beginning — but a beginning nonetheless. In their post-match notes, the founders didn’t complain of defeat. What troubled them most was the breach of fair play. They wrote: “The captain of Graphie brought onto the field — and played, despite our protests — a certain Gederlini, a member of Orita FC.… He behaved in a manner that no polite person would adopt.” Even at 14, they understood: sport was about more than goals and wins. It was about honour. Building Everton In the weeks that followed, the team trained wherever they could — first at the Alemán Riding School, then on the rough trails of Camino Cintura. They were often chased away by older youths, but they kept returning. The dream was bigger than the obstacles. The press took notice. On 6 July 1909, El Mercurio de Valparaíso printed a brief note: Everton FC had been born. For the first time, their name echoed beyond the hills. They lacked equipment, even a proper ball — but they had heart. “It was quite difficult for us to raise the money necessary to buy a bell and a ball,” recalled Alfredo Aravena, years later. “A football club was inconceivable without such an important device.” By 26 July, the club had grown. Óscar Guzmán joined the board as Vice President. Weekly meetings were held, plans drawn up, matches scheduled. David Foxley, tireless in his commitment, became both architect and anchor. Evertually, the club would move from the cobbled alleys of Valparaíso to the growing seaside town of Viña del Mar — where Everton would take root more deeply, and thrive. Legacy Looking back, it’s astonishing. A group of schoolboys, too young to vote or drive, formed a club that would one day lift national trophies, represent Chile abroad, and stir generations of supporters. But on that cool morning in June 1909, none of that mattered. What mattered was that they believed. Everton had been born — not just a football club, but a symbol of youth, passion, and the enduring power of dreams. Follow @Ruleterotoffee Reader Comments (17) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Paul Kernot 1 Posted 23/06/2025 at 22:57:59 Spectacular Jim. That's what our club does to you. Never under estimate our reach and influence. Paul Hughes 2 Posted 24/06/2025 at 08:27:11 Brilliant article, Jim. We are Everton, aren't we? Bob McEvoy 3 Posted 24/06/2025 at 08:49:49 And in 1962, the scheduled World Cup semi-final between Chile and Brazil was switched last minute from CD Everton's stadium to Santiago. Vina del Mar hosted Czechoslovakia v Yugoslavia. Fast forward 4 years to 1966 and exactly the same thing happened to Goodison Park. Liam Mogan 4 Posted 24/06/2025 at 09:04:47 Cracking story. Thanks Jim. Ian Jones 5 Posted 24/06/2025 at 09:10:25 Really interesting, never considered their foundation and history. Tony Abrahams 6 Posted 24/06/2025 at 14:24:30 A lovely story that, Jim, and I took great strength from the second-to-last sentence which says “what mattered was that they believed”.We Shall Not Be Moved is our song for a good reason. You only have to look at our longevity and a record that says we have played more top-flight fixtures than any other team.When I view Evertonians, I don't think we have got enough belief anymore – but not without good reason, I know. But I've seen us turn it around before and I don't buy into the fact that it is a lot harder now… even if it is a lot fuckin harder now.We are Everton Football Club, and even when we were completely rudderless, we (the greatest supporters in the land) still produced “an unrivalled soul” on the streets and in the stands, that helped keep the club in the top league. When Evertonians really unite, trust me when I say that anything is possible.Thanks again, Jim! Paul Washington 7 Posted 24/06/2025 at 15:14:31 It would have been great to have the 'other' Everton over for a test event. Andrew James 8 Posted 24/06/2025 at 23:01:06 Jim - I was aware of this club and their founding and a few seasons ago even toyed with the idea of buying one of their shirts. Excellent research and, seeing as I think there's another Everton in South America (Colombia perhaps?) it would be nice if the club could arrange a mini tournament in pre-season between the Evertons. We could host them at BMD and play semis and a final. Nonetheless, thanks for the article. It shows how ingrained in football culture we are. Andrew James 9 Posted 24/06/2025 at 23:17:09 Tony @6,Fans always think they have the best support. Yet when I go to away games or hear some on the radio, I often think "they wouldn't feel very supportive at home" or – like Man Utd fans – "they're glory seekers" or "complacent". Other fan bases, from my experience, dislike most of the clubs we do. Liverpool and Man Utd often come across as being particularly unpopular. Spurs are ridiculed while Newcastle and Man City are resented for the sportswashing. We get abuse for being scousers but it was always thus. It'll be nice them all coming to the new stadium and not mocking us for no money etc. Don Alexander 10 Posted 25/06/2025 at 01:14:42 But just imagine what they might have achieved had they ever had a controller who boasted, always, of his own fabulous football nouse in the lovey-dovey, self-gratifying and fuck the the customers always, London theatre world!Good on 'em anyway! Mike Gaynes 11 Posted 24/06/2025 at 02:30:06 That's a great read, Jim. Cheers.Andrew, the Chilean Everton is the only other one in the world. However, there are a half-dozen Brazilian footballers named Everton -- obviously a very popular name down there. Paul Kernot 12 Posted 25/06/2025 at 04:13:43 Didn't Lenny Henry have a chef named Everton in the restaurant-based sitcom he did? Sort of off-topic, I know. Danny O'Neill 13 Posted 25/06/2025 at 07:26:54 Jim, what a great piece of writing and research. This is up there with Rob Sawyer's insights.These types of articles should be captured by the club and presented alongside Dr David's collection, should we build a museum in the grounds of Bramley-Moore Dock, which we absolutely should do.A demonstration of sheer passion and desire to succeed, with their roots in the city of Liverpool. The name was only going to be Everton.They have played at Goodison. We should get them back over to the new stadium. Let them wear blue and white, we can wear a change strip. The Brotherhood Cup round 2.On supporters. I know I'm biased; we all are, as are supporters of all clubs. However having spent time amongst most opposition supporters, there are none like ours, and I mean that. Forget the media loved Newcastle. Forget that other lot, who play to the cameras. No-one competes when we are together. Yes, we are demanding, because we have expectation. I know that is hard for the younger generation, but keep believing and never lose it. It can and will happen again. Eric Myles 14 Posted 26/06/2025 at 00:38:47 Mike & Paul, there's also a Sir Everton.Sir Everton Weekes. Alan McGuffog 15 Posted 26/06/2025 at 01:52:26 And not to forget the Everton lad who played for that lot across the park. Remember him? Tony Abrahams 16 Posted 26/06/2025 at 09:01:34 Andrew, I think that every single club in England will all have some of the greatest and most loyal fans in the world, mate, and I would definitely include both Liverpool and Manchester United fans, if I was being honest.I just thought what the younger Evertonians pulled together so swiftly when our club was in real danger of relegation was incredibly authentic and could only have come about through raw passion and absolute love.I'm old school, Andrew, and don't get offended by any type of banter. But I've listened to Evertonians singing a couple of songs that have turned my stomach, especially the one about the innocent kid who got 15 years. Dave Abrahams 17 Posted 26/06/2025 at 09:36:40 Mike (11) Mike dont forget the sportsman from your favourite sport- cricket- Everton Weekes the famous West Indies all rounder, batsman, bowler and wicket keeper on occasions. 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