Frederick, who belonged to a Yorkshire family, initially intended to emigrate to Argentina but was persuaded to go to Spain by friends.

In 1873 he founded his own shipping agency under the name of F. Witty, subsequently establishing business links between Spain and the United Kingdom.

Ernest and his brother Arthur were educated at Merchant Taylors' School in Merseyside, where sport was regarded as a major part of a young man's development.

Unable to play rugby union due to a lack of suitable pitches, the Wittys began to organise football games between company teams made up of employees.

However, FC Basel and other Swiss clubs that Gamper played for and his home canton of Zurich have all been credited and/or claimed to be the inspiration.