Huyton has been much more successful in producing professional footballers. In recent years the town has produced two outstanding, combative and skilful, midfield England internationals: Peter Reid (Everton FC) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC). Other footballers include: Joey Barton, Craig Hignett, Tony Hibbert, David Nugent, Leon Osman, John Relish, Greg Tansey, and Lee Trundle.

Notably on 28th March 2007, two of Huyton's most prominent footballers starred for England in a 3 nil away win in Andorra. Goals came from Steven Gerrard (2) and David Nugent in a proud night for Huyton. Both players were educated at Cardinal Heenan high school who have a track record as one of the country's top schools for sport.

Despite producing so many pro footballers, Huyton has never been able to sustain a semi-pro club for long. Nearby Kirkby Town changed their name to Knowsley United F.C. in 1988 and re-located to Alt Park, the former home of Huyton Rugby League Club. In United's first five seasons they were hugely successful. In 1988-89 they finished runners-up in the North West Counties Football League. The following season they were champions and won promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One. They were accordingly promoted to the Premier Division. The following season they fought their way to the first round proper of the F.A. Cup, only to be beaten by Carlisle United at home. Unfortunately the momentum did not last and Knowsley United ended up as a senior semi-pro side in 1998.

(Huytonians wanting to support a local semi-pro outfit have Prescot Cables F.C. located at Valerie Park in the Northern Premier League (Premier Division) less than 2 miles away).




[edit] Famous people
Because Huyton does not have its own hospital, most of its famous sons and daughters will have been born elsewhere, usually in Liverpool or Whiston.




Although born in St Helens, Thomas Beecham (1879 – 1961), the famous classical music conductor, was brought up in the Blacklow Brow area of Huyton. In 1947 he founded the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Alan Bleasdale, playwright famous for 'Boys From The Blackstuff', attended St. Aloysius RC Infant and Junior Schools, Huyton, 1951-57.
Stan Boardman, comedian.
Sir Rex Harrison, actor who starred in films such as My Fair Lady and Cleopatra, was born and raised on Tarbock Road in Huyton, and attended St Gabriel's School.
John McCabe (composer)
Reginald Moss, first-class cricketer.
Although originally from Manchester, Peter Noone (1947 - ), of 1960s group Herman’s Hermits, settled in Chestnut Avenue, Huyton, before wealth and fame came knocking.
Phil Redmond, the creator of Hollyoaks, Grange Hill and Brookside.
Freddie Starr, comedian.
Stuart Sutcliffe, the Fifth Beatle. (Born Edinburgh but spend childhood in Huyton)
Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson was Member of Parliament for the former Huyton constituency. A statue of Wilson was erected in Huyton town centre in 2006.