Established in 1960, The Professional Football League of Eboria (PFL) is the third oldest professional gridiron league in the world, behind the NFL and CFL of the US and Canada respectively. Eborian Football grew from the Rugby codes in the 1880s. The original games were about kicking goals and not scoring points form touchdowns/tries. In the late 1890s, news came from England of a new code- Rugby League. Teams had been playing variant rules across the country and this new code, split opinion dramatically.
Once students had come back from North America, the universities of Eboria started combining rules as they had picked up great interest from the North American codes. The pioneers at the time were the Carlton, Norton, McClain and Gayle universities. This interest lead to a split between the semi-professional and amateur teams. Many clubs had formed through athletic clubs, who wanted other sports to get new members involved. Many of these clubs played soccer, cricket and baseball primarily.
The games rules were evolving, and in the 1920s, the Snap replaced the back-heel, three or four downs were used (depending on the region). Some inter-state matches were disputed as teams had not clarified or agreed as to which rules they were using.
The EFL (1925-1949)
The Eborian Football League (EFL) was the first national league in Eboria. The league established the game when it codified rules. The EFL introduced the four downs, the rules on punting, advancing fumbles and introduced blocking. Previously, the rules for knock-on (ala Rugby) and obstruction (no blocking allowed) were in-force as a general rule. In 1947, the forward pass was legalised. Points were standardised too- 5 for a touchdowns, 4 for a field goal, three for a penalty goal, two for a rogue (safety) and one for a conversion.
The modern Eborian games owes a lot to its North American counterparts, but also to the EFL for setting up and introducing standards that are still enforced today- to keep our game exciting and free flowing. Interruptions due to WWII and a shortage of good players, a rise in popularity of soccer, meant that the league struggled in the late 1940s. In 1949, the league went bankrupt and closed its doors on 13th December 1949.
As the league folded, teams that were members and not franchises survived- this included the Blues, Bulldogs, Giants, Steelers, Tigers and Wasps.
Donnelly Cup (1950-1959)
With the EFL gone, teams resorted back to playing local competitions. The biggest one was the Donnelly Cup, sponsored by the Donnelly Cigarette Co.
The PFL (1960-)
In 1958, representatives from six teams got together to discuss a new national league. Fed up with the Donnelly Cup as the only prize, they set about a series of meetings to form a new alliance. The six teams were: Amorgan Blues, Ballymore Tigers, Carford Bulldogs, Carlton Wasps, Iomagh Steelers and Melborg Giants. After the initial talks, the Eddington Eagles and Oakland Ravens joined in the discussions.
Following agreements by all eight teams, Commissioner Bob Crystal was appointed leader and the league set about a start for the 1960-61 season. All eight teams would play each other home and away. After everyone had played the fourteen games, the team with the best record would be awarded the championship. Teams would be allowed to play in exhibition games at any time, but not the Donnelly Cup, as schedules would clash. The teams were still contractually obliged to compete in the Donnelly Cup in 1959-60.
in 1962, interest from outside rose. Teams began enquiring if they could join this new venture, the PFL was quickly gaining attention as an attractive football league. In 1963, two new teams entered the league: the Burnham Bulls and Deloinne Miners. Further expansions occurred in 1968 and 1972.
With expansion came the inevitable break from league play, to a championship game and then play-off tournament. Unfortunately, Commissioner Bob Crystal died of cancer in 1968. The tournament final and championship trophy is named after him- The Crystal Bowl. Starting in January 1971, nobody realised at the time that they were pioneers, creating Eboria’s most watched and prized single game sporting event. A national treasure had been founded in Eborian lore.
TBC…
The Professional Football League of Eboria 