PLAYERS in the Abingdon School football team from 1894 looked distinctly glum when their picture was taken.

And their counterparts in the 1922 side would have been sick as parrots when the school kicked football into the long grass in favour of hockey and rugby.

Ever since, pupils who love football have had to make do with the odd kickabout or friendly fixture.

But now, the beautiful game has returned as a full sports option after an absence of 89 years, and will kick off in January.

Harry Hoareau, 12, from Lambourn, near Wantage, said: “I’m glad – it is one of lots of sports I really enjoy playing.”

Felicity Lusk, who took over as headteacher at the school last year, said: “When I consulted with parents and boys last year, one of the most popular requests was for the introduction of football and so our sports department has included it.

“There is a passion for sport at every level at Abingdon and we have a tremendous reputation. In time, I’m sure our footballers will be just as successful.”

It is the second popular decision Ms Lusk has made – after scrapping Saturday lessons for the first time in the school’s seven century history.

A new football strip is currently being designed, which director of sport Andrew Hall said would contain “slashes of cerise ”.

He added: “I don’t know why football disappeared as an option all those years ago but that was certainly the situation I inherited when I came here eight years ago.

“We have created a fixture list for all year groups which we seek to develop in coming years.

“We also have good links with local state schools, so other fixtures could also be arranged.”