Honouring Jack Leslie: The Campaign That Changed Football History
by Tom Wood | Feb 12, 2025 | News & Press, Stories
At Crowdfunder, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change. Our podcast series, Podcast on Purpose, shines a light on incredible campaigns that have united communities and made a lasting impact. One such story is the remarkable journey to honour Jack Leslie, a footballing legend whose legacy was nearly lost to time.
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A Forgotten Hero
Jack Leslie was an extraordinary footballer, making his mark at Plymouth Argyle from 1921 to 1934. Scoring 137 goals in over 400 appearances, he was a pivotal player and remains one of the club’s all-time top scorers. But Leslie’s career took an unjust turn in 1925 when he was selected to play for England—only to have the invitation quietly rescinded once selectors realised he was Black.
This heartbreaking act of discrimination meant that Leslie, despite his immense talent, was denied the chance to represent his country. Yet he remained dedicated to football, later working at West Ham United as a bootroom assistant, mentoring legendary players like Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking. Still, his story remained largely unknown beyond the older Plymouth Argyle faithful. Jack Leslie passed away in 1988 at the age of 87, never having seen the recognition he truly deserved.
A Campaign is Born
The story of Jack Leslie’s snub might have faded into obscurity if not for a chance conversation in a Plymouth bar. Football fans Matt Tiller and Greg Foxsmith were stunned to learn of Leslie’s treatment and felt compelled to act. What started as a discussion over drinks turned into a fully-fledged movement—the Jack Leslie Campaign—with the goal of erecting a statue in his honour.
With the support of Plymouth Argyle and Crowdfunder, the campaign launched in 2020, aiming to raise £100,000. The response was overwhelming. In just six weeks, the target was smashed, thanks to contributions from football fans across the country. Even rival fans, including those from Exeter City, contributed, showing the unifying power of Leslie’s story.
The Power of Public Subscription
Statues have long been a way of honouring great individuals, but what made this project unique was its method of funding. As Crowdfunder Co-CEO Simon Deverell explained on the podcast, public subscription—a model used for historical monuments—has returned in the digital age, allowing communities to take ownership of their history. Leslie’s statue is not just a tribute to a player, but a statement of social justice, recognising the contributions of Black footballers who paved the way for future generations.
Other Statues Funded by Crowdfunder
Jack Leslie’s statue is part of a growing movement to honour overlooked historical figures. Crowdfunding has also helped raise statues for other trailblazers, ensuring their contributions are recognised. One such statue is of Mary Anning, the pioneering paleontologist, which now stands overlooking the Jurassic Coast. Anning’s work was crucial to the field of geology, yet she was largely unrecognised in her lifetime. Thanks to a successful Crowdfunder campaign, she now has a rightful place in history.
These campaigns demonstrate the power of communities coming together to honour figures who shaped our past. With public support, crowdfunding continues to provide a platform for history to be rewritten and for these important legacies to be cemented in our shared spaces.
A Moment of Justice
On October 7, 2022, the Jack Leslie statue was unveiled outside Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium. It was an emotional day for his family, particularly his granddaughter Lesley, who had long feared the story would be forgotten. But the recognition did not stop there—just days before the unveiling, the FA awarded Leslie a posthumous honorary England cap, acknowledging the injustice he had suffered nearly a century earlier.
A Lasting Legacy
The campaign continues to inspire, with books, school talks, and educational programmes ensuring Leslie’s story is never forgotten. His legacy serves as a reminder of the progress made in tackling racism in football, and the work still to be done.
The Jack Leslie story is one of perseverance, dignity, and rightful recognition. Thanks to crowdfunding, football fans, and campaigners, history has been rewritten—ensuring that the Lion Who Never Roared will be remembered forever.
Listen to the Podcast
To hear more about Jack Leslie’s story and other inspiring campaigns, listen to Podcast on Purpose. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, or wherever you get your podcasts. The episode is available to stream now.
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