 He was a prolific goalscorer in junior football whilst playing for CM Department juniors and was signed by South Western League side Launceston.He became an apprentice at Devonport Dockyard and whilst continuing to play for Launceston, also played for John Conway in the Devon Wednesday League.During the early years in the dockyard Fred was also involved in the music scene in Plymouth with the Hoe Nuts a very popular local group.