 |
Herbert KilpinEnglish footballer, coach and football figure
Date of Birth: 24.01.1870
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Birth and Family Background
- Youth and Footballing Start
- Education and Textile Industry
- Arrival in Italy and Footballing Foundation
- First Italian Football Championship
- Founding of A.C. Milan
Birth and Family Background
Herbert Kilpin was born on January 24, 1870, in Nottingham, England. He was the youngest of nine children in a comfortable family that ran a successful meat shop.
Youth and Footballing Start
As a child, Kilpin developed a passion for football, which was a popular sport in England. He played for a small team called Garibaldi's, which wore red shirts. He also recalled numerous football clubs in Nottingham and the availability of stadium pitch rentals.
Education and Textile Industry
In his youth, Kilpin pursued an education in the textile industry, which was a major industry in Nottingham. He worked for Italian textile manufacturer Edoardo Bosio.
Arrival in Italy and Footballing Foundation
In 1891, Kilpin was sent by Bosio to Turin, Italy, to demonstrate Bosio's mechanical looms. He not only established Bosio's business in Italy but also founded the football club "Internazionale" Torino, one of the first Italian football clubs.
First Italian Football Championship
Internazionale Torino participated in the first Italian football championship, reaching the final twice but losing both times to Genoa. Disappointed, Kilpin vowed to "give birth" to a winning Milanese club.
Founding of A.C. Milan
In 1897, Kilpin moved to Milan to work for an English textile company. He frequented an American bar, where he met Alfred Edwards, who would later become the founder and first president of A.C. Milan.
On December 13, 1899, Kilpin helped establish the "Milan Football and Cricket Club" with Edwards and other British and Italian individuals. Kilpin was appointed captain of the football team. He suggested the club's famous red and black colors, representing "devils" that would instill fear in opponents. Kilpin also became the club's first captain and coach, an innovative approach at the time.
