Playing long balls into empty space since 2012.

Thursday, 8 August 2019

100 years ago today 8 August 1919



Saturday August 2

V.A.B.F.A. Metropolitan League

  • Windsor 2  Albert Park 1  
  • Northumberland and Durham United 2  Spotswood 1 
  • Footscray Thistle 5  St Davids 0
  • Melbourne Thistle 0 Preston 0


The Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.
First Round, Doherty Cup.—
Spotswood v. N. and D., Medlicot;
Melbourne Thistle v. Preston, M'Cully;
Albert Park v. Footscray Thistle. Butler;
St. David's v. Windsor, Downie.
All matches will begin at 3.15.


Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld. : 1912 - 1936), Friday 8 August 1919, page 8

SOCCER.
A most interesting game will be played at Musgrave Park on Saturday, between Pineapple Hovers and Park Church, the kick-ofT being at 3.15. The Rovers are to date undefeated, but as Parks are now in full swing and have not been defeated in the second round, the game will be very close. St An drew's will meet Kangaroo Point in the early match, at 2 p.m. The team selected to play for Park Church is as follows :—Francis; Cameron, Jamieson, Blackburn, Clark, Ross, Salnsbury, Rathwell, Young, Hunter, and Had den.


Call and WA Sportsman (Perth, WA : 1918 - 1920), Friday 8 August 1919, page 2

The Late Cecil Jeffrey.
As Football Organiser. Sterling; Services to Game.
Thirteen or fourteen years ago Australian football was on the wane, and practically the whole of the schools had been won over to the soccer rules. The obvious conclusion was arrived at that if the schools and junior grades were not maintained there would soon come a time when the Australian game would be extinct. The devotees of the home code bestirred themselves to wrest back the lost territory and a battle royal ensued. 
Foremost in the struggle was the late Cecil Jeffrey, taken by the 'flu last week. It is interesting to recall his activities which are reviewed as follows in a copy of the "Fremantle Mail" of 1906: — 
"With the enthusiasm begot by a consciousness that there was some thing to fight for, the leading spirits of the Young Australia League have breathed the breath of vigorous life into their organisation. That a body existing solely to control football should have anything more elevating to strive for than the settlement of periodical club disputes seems an unusual thing to infer. But, as those who have followed the course of the League know, the germ with which the new organisation began was a desire to fortify the national winter game in the schools, where it was at the time threatened by an imported code. There was an Australian issue at stake. This drew many into the movement who would not, for the sake of sport alone, have been associated with it. There was a wish to place foremost things that were Australian, even though, so unimportant as football. It was this, which prompted Mr. C. Jeffrey and others with an inherent spirit of Australianism to throw vigor into the work of the League, which stands to day as the best organisation of its kind within the Commonwealth. Mr. Jeffrey retires to take up a long course of college training after two seasons of energetic effort, begun when the outlook seemed unpromising and numbers of others in similar positions held aloof, for at that period the cold glance of the official eye was feared. The fear which determined others was almost wholly groundless and based upon fabrication, but that made the acceptance of office none the less Commendable, for if a man fearlessly faces a pointed revolver, presumed to be charged with death-dealing cartridges, his courage is not discounted if it is afterwards discovered that the weapon was unloaded. Many duties fell to the young official to perform, and the position of the division which he practically controls stands as the best proof of their, performance. Last year — the first of the League's existence — was beset with big tasks, all of which were negotiated. This season saw the club's increase front six to fourteen, involving the management of nearly one hundred matches. In addition, there were country tours to Northam, Mundijong, and the gold-fields, all of which required, organising. The ex-scholars' section was formed, a secretary was wanted, and the subject of this sketch began the present season with the dual position of secretary both to the schools' and ex-scholars 'executives.' The football year is just closing, anda retrospective survey of its events in League circles at the port shows splendid success, all of which is associated with Mr. Jeffrey's services. To this writer the most gratifying feature of the work to which tribute is paid here is that they were impelled by a loyalty to something Australian. And that is refreshing to find in these days when so many youthful and aged Australians are faithless to the products or works of their own countrymen, and the howl of the nation-breaker falls with jarring notes on the sensitive ears of those who yearn for a self-reliant, self-respecting and united Australian people. More for a love of Australia than for any attachment to the game itself, Secretary Jeffrey worked devotedly for the League and served it with unswerving loyalty. Summed up, his two years association with the movement were years of honest, useful and enthusiastic work, the fruits of which must be of enduring value to the Australian game.

Friday, 2 August 2019

Spotlight on Soccer, Argus 1950

In 1950, the Argus newspaper produced a series of 18 weekly articles mostly called 'Spotlight on Soccer', focusing on individual soccer clubs around Melbourne. They are a mixed bunch but the give tremendous snapshots of the state of play in Melbourne's elite teams. They also give some useful if brief club histories. Produced on the cusp of the strong emergence of continental European influence on the makeup of Australian soccer they also create a picture that is soon to fade.



Club
Notes







#8 JUST

Argus mistakenly lists this as #9

#12 Fifers





First played in 1923. 15 teams in the town.


Ipswich Soccer: From Nunn's Paddock to Now: List of Ipswich Soccer Clubs

Ipswich Soccer: From Nunn's Paddock to Now: List of Ipswich Soccer Clubs: An incomplete but growing list of Ipswich soccer clubs.  Introduction This page aims to list all known Ipswich-based football clubs since 18...

Thursday, 1 August 2019

100 years ago today 1 August 1919

Saturday July 26


V.A.B.F.A. Metropolitan League


  • Windsor 2 (Scotchbrook2) Melbourne Thistle 2 (Moreland, J.Anderson) Middle Park Ref: R.Medlicott
  • Northumberland and Durham United 7 (Stevens2, Miller, DIllon, J.Grieves, Laycock, Slaughter) St Davids 0 Middle Park Ref: J.McKenzie
  • Preston 1 Footscray Thistle 2 Preston Ref: J.McCulley    
  • Spotswood 3 (Holt 2, Weston) Albert Park 0 Spotswood Ref: J.Downie

Interestingly no listing of fixtures in either the Argus or Age, a little bit like today?


Saturday August 2


V.A.B.F.A. Metropolitan League


  • Windsor V Albert Park (H.Smith) Middle Park
  • Northumberland and Durham United V Spotswood (Griffiths)
  • Footscray Thistle V St Davids
  • Melbourne Thistle V Preston



Swan Express (Midland Junction, WA : 1900 - 1954), Friday 1 August 1919, page 4

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.
Last Saturday the Training College failed to turn up at Midland Junction, and thereby forfeited the game to Midland Australs. To-morrow is the last League game of the season, and the result will decide who are the premiers for the past season. Claremont are two points below Midland, and they to have to win, and if successful play off with the local lads for the honor of the top of the League. This game will be a played on Training College ground. Claremont. Kick off at three p.m., and the Austral's eleven wwill be selected from: Clarke (2), Moterain, Bond, Brackenridge, Wilderspen, c e urge, Oswald, Wright, Treache, Foser, Christian, Hummerston, Hodgson, c nd Randalls. Players are requested to travel by the 1.53 p.m. train from Midland. The secretary should be notified early if a player is unable to play, so that a recurrence of the Training College match will be avoided.




Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Friday 1 August 1919, page 3

FOOTBALL. LEAGUE RULES. The League and Soccer competitions organised among the Catholic schools of the district were opened yesterday afternoon. The enthusiasm of the teams, as well as the small margin of difference in their various strengths, promises well for a highly successful season. As an encouragement to the players, two sets of medals have been presented by Mick Simmons, and one set by Hunter The Stationer. There is promise of a further set of medals. The schools appreciate the kindness of the donors. 
Results: 
League.-Merewether defeated Tighe's Hill; 8 to 3. Hamilton Primary v. Hamilton High School, ended In favour of the former, 6-5. Marist B defeated Carrington, 11-0. Marist A were without a game, as Lambton were unable to attend. The match will be played next week. 
Soccer.-Hamilton Primary v. Wallsend, 1-1. Adamstown defeated Broadmeadow, 1-0, Stockton defeated Marist B, 1-0. Marist A, a bye.



Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903 - 1926), Friday 1 August 1919, page 3

(To the Editor.)
Sir, — On picking up my "Daily Mail, to-day I notice that Mr. Campbell, of the Queensland Rugby Union, is again rushing into print. Apparently the Rugby Union idea of amateurism is unquestionable and angelic from his own point of view, but the man in the street knows very well who originated the laws of the English Rugby Union and the evolutionary process in connection with so-called amateurism. The Rugby Union laws have been so framed that only the sons of moneyed people or gentlemen of leisure can afford to play the game and represent their country at it. In this way the game is kept away from the great majority of the people, with the result that the Rugby League had to be formed in order that the every-day young man shall have an equal opportunity of displaying his ability, irrespective of social, financial, or any other position. In cricket the laws of professionalism are well defined and reasonable, and in this game talent, and talent only, counts, whether a man be a pick-and-shovel artist or a member of the aristocracy. In fact, it is a democratic game. The Rugby Union laws are not suitable to a democratic country like Australia, and one day the game will disappear altogether from this country.
With regard to Mr. Campbell's rambling statement relative to the quotation from "Smith's Weekly," 'I will take it for granted that the quotation is correct. If so, I do not see that the Rugby Union has anything to grumble about. We all know there is no love lost between the two bodies, and it is only natural that one or the other should provide the very best attractions for the sporting public. Both bodies are business propositions, after all, and competition is the very breath of business. Mr. Campbell concludes with rather a sneering remark, stating that the line of demarcation between the Rugby League and the Rugby Union is too pronounced.
He is quite correct, for the Rugby Unionites are snobs, who, although they profess to believe in pure amateurism, did not hesitate to break the sacred laws of amateurism as defined in the laws of the English Rugby Union by the wholesale reinstatement of players who had pre viously played under the banner of the League.
K. D. BEATON, Bulimba Rangers' Soccer Football Club.


Toowoomba Chronicle (Qld. : 1917 - 1922), Friday 1 August 1919, page 6

FOOTBALL.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION.
A meeting of the above was held in Herriot's room last night. Mr. W. Hillocks was in the chair. It was decided to play the semi-final for the Gilson Cup on No. 4 ground, Queens-Park to-morrow, between the Diggers and the Allies at 3 p.m., referee, Mr. W. Woods. A friendly match will be played between the Cities and the Norths on No. 3 ground at 3 p.m., referee, Mr. J. Bissett. The Cadets will play Goombungee, at Goombungee to-morrow; referee, Mr. H. New. All players should meet at Cramond and Stark's corner at 1 o'clock, when a motor bus will take them to Goombungee. It was decided to hold a euchre party and dance in the Masonic Hall. A strong committee was formed. Mr. George Gosling donated a trophy. Mr. Stevenson and Mr. S. Upton were appointed secretaries. 

Queensland Church Soccer

Garry McKenzie sent this from today's Queensland Times


CHURCH SOCCER:

The Blackstone Welsh Soccer Club will this weekend celebrate 50 years since the Church Association was formed in the Brisbane, Ipswich area.

Soccer memorabilia will be on display at Saturday's anniversary. However many of the club's historical photos were destroyed when the former clubhouse was destroyed by fire.

Past and present players are welcome to join the fun and celebrations at the Eric Jones field* at Blackstone between 9.30 and 1pm.

Fifty years ago, the first Church Soccer meeting was held in the West End Methodist Church, with 12 persons were present. From that meeting, a committee was formed with Eric Jones being the first president, Wall Brown elected secretary and John Gibbs as treasurer.

A Church referees association was organised and nominations were called for teams. Quickly, a strong association of teams from Ipswich and Brisbane were registered.

There are 29 clubs in the Queensland Church Soccer Association this season, with 6042 registered players.

Blackstone Welsh have nominated teams in all divisions, including two women's teams.

Raceview club have acquired a new field in Grange Road and have had record registrations. Teams from Middle Park, Boonah, Lowood, Rosewood, Redbank Planes, Silkstone and Church of Christ make up teams from the West zone.

It has been another successful year of Christian-sponsored sport in the Brisbane and Ipswich associations. Sunshine Coast clubs are also included in the church association.

Celebrations are being arranged separately by clubs to mark the golden milestone.



Garry also sent this note

*Never heard it called Eric Jones field before. It's the second but effectively main Blackstone Rovers field (the first was across the creek), later Coalstars main ground. Coalstars left when they wanted to play on Sundays (this being a church-owned ground). How that lines up (ie is Blackstone Welsh an off-shoot of Coalstars or came a few years later) is something I don't know.

Wollongong


Perhaps in response to our comments about Newcastle historic clubs last week, Travis Faulks from Balgownie sent me a list of the pre 1900 club names from the Illawarra (not complete) to list out on your show. 
  1. North Illawarra Rovers, 
  2. Balgownie Rangers, 
  3. Helensburgh Boomerangs, 
  4. Helensburgh Rovers, 
  5. Corrimal Rangers, 
  6. Corrimal True Blues, 
  7. Woonona Swifts, 
  8. Thirroul Rovers (or called Robbinsville Rovers), 
  9. Centennial Club, 
  10. Corrimal Bentin Club, 
  11. Kembla Mountaineers, 
  12. Woonona Surfs FC, 
  13. South Clifton FC, 
  14. Clifton FC, 
  15. Woonona Wanderers, 
  16. Renton FC (Corrimal), 
  17. Albion Park FC, 
  18. Dapto FC, 
  19. Wollongong Centennials, 
  20. Bellambi FC, 
  21. Bulli Park Rovers, 
  22. Bulli Pass Rovers, 
  23. Mount Kembla FC, 
  24. Kembla FC

Other names post 1900 that are unusual 
  • Woonona House of Lords, 
  • Kembla Pirates, 
  • Woonona Commonwealth Rangers (junior competition). 
  • Woonona Sweethearts.

Pre 1900 clubs still around: 
  • Albion Park White Eagles, , 
  • Balgownie Rangers, 
  • Corrimal Rangers, 
  • Bellambi Rosellas, 
  • Woonona Sharks 130 this year, 
  • Thirroul Thunder
  • Helensburgh Thistle
  • Bulli

Albion Park, Bellambi and Thirroul had prolonged periods with no soccer clubs. The other clubs have had clubs going since this period in different incarnations.

Soccer in Footscray

Herald (Melbourne), Saturday 30 March 1912, page 7
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL,
A meeting was held at the Plough Hotel, Footscray, on Wednesday night for the purpose of forming a football club to play under British Association rules. Mr Cottrall, chairman, said that the acting secretary and Messrs Derbyshire and Salome[Slomes/Soames] had worked hard to get the club going, and it was now entered for the Victoria Amateur British Association competition. On April 6 a match would be played against Williamstown and the season would commence on April 27.
On the opening game of the season they lost 7-1 to W-Y.
The next game was played against "Brunswick on their own ground, at top of Barkly street."
Off to Bendigo win 2-1
Footscray Thistle formed 1914; Footscray change their name to N & D.

The war intervenes and soccer effectively stops.

Resumes after the war with Footscray Thistle taking up the mantle of the primary Footscray team for a good while. Last we hear of them is in 1940 and they don't seem to survive ww2.

Footscray United?? Described as "late N and D" in 1927.

Footscray City starts as Bradford Cotton Mills in 1946 and changes to Footscray City -- in 1950 becomes Footscray Capri 1958 based at Henry Turner and sugar works

JUST begins in 1950 but takes on Capri's mantle in 1963.


Grounds in Footscray region referenced over time in the newspapers
  • West Footscray ground ("a few minutes walk from that station") 1912
  • Ammunition flat 1913, 1915, 1947 (near the boat sheds)
  • West Melbourne Swamp (sporting portion) 1914
  • River bank 1914
  • (Below) Footscray Park 1914, 1950, 1952
  • Other side of the river 1914
  • Henry Turner Reserve 1951-1956 (and probably further)
  • Sugar works 1922-1960
  • Spotswood ground 1913, 1914, 1928
  • Yarraville ground 1913, 1922
  • Mowling’s flat 1914-15
  • Seddon 1914
  • Wembley Park 1927
  • The Footscray Ground at Yarraville 1928, 1934, 1936
  • The Footscray Ground on Williamstown Road 1932
  • New Ground, foot of Napier St 1939
  • Edwards Reserve 1950

Thursday, 25 July 2019

Newcastle: Looking for Foundations

I've started looking seriously at the Newcastle region's deep history in the game. 

I've consulted 
1. Mosely, 
2. Sid Grant and Harry Hetherington's 'History of Soccer in New South Wales' and 
3. the NNSW Heritage Cup website in gathering this information.

The first task has been to create a database of all the so-called 'heritage clubs' in the region, those over 100 years old. Using the Heritage Cup website we created a rudimentary database of the following.


Name Founded
Minmi Rangers/Wanderers FC 1884
Wallsend FC 1887
Adamstown Rosebud 1889
West Wallsend FC 1891
Edgeworth Eagles FC 1892
Merewether Advance SFC 1894
Dudley Redhead United SFC 1896
Cessnock City Hornets FC 1907
Wetson Bears FC 1907
Lake Macquarie City Roosters FC 1912
New Lambton FC 1917
Maryland Fletcher FC

  1. Minmi Rangers/ inaugural club.
    Also known as Thistles/Squashers/Clippers/Starlights/Wanderers 
    Won a raft of competitions -- the Gardiner Cup in 1892 -- club collapses before ww2
  2. Wallsend FC --- Rovers/Royals/Reds --
    Aside from Ellis Cup in 1889, didn't really start winning much until the 1920s 14 Major Premierships [11 Runners-Up], 4 Minor Premierships, 2 Club Championships, 65 Cups [13 Runners-Up],
  3. Adamstown Rosebud (momentarily Shamrocks)
  4. West Wallsend Athletic/Bluebells/Mazeppas/woodpeckers
  5. Edgeworth Eagles -- previously Young Wallsend
  6. Merewether Advance
  7. Dudley Redhead -- a merger of two clubs
  8. Cessnock (one time Bluebells)
  9. Weston Magpies/Albion/Bears
    founded 1907 in 1909 changed to black and white stripes under the influence of Geordie Bill Hindmarsh. Has to change to the Bears when the Maitland Magpies enter the competition
  10. Lake Macquarie
  11. New Lambton

The second task has been to revisit Mosely
Soccer in the Newcastle District had been organised by the Northern British FA since 1887. By 1900 there were fifteen teams playing in official competitions [6 of them survive] and by 1909 twenty-eight teams. [8 of those survive] In 1910 the Wallsend and District British FA was formed and took over from the Northern British FA. In its first year the new body raised the District’s number of soccer teams to fifty-two.
Third: Sid Grant and Harry Hetherington's History of Soccer in New South Wales on Mark Boric's site https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_UpU_G0B9TaI-KKiL7kzV1iqw6ED4t8E/view