100 Years Ago Today, 1 July 1921

 Daily Standard (Brisbane), Thursday 30 June 1921, page 4

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Six young ladies In Toowoomba are endeavoring to form a Soccer football team, and the nurses at the Toowoomba and Willowburn Hospitals are being invited to down swabs and thermometers once or twice a week and join in. There should be a great trade in hair-pads when the darlings of the Downs set to work at Soccer, for there is a lot of head work in the British game. The reporters will have to be very circumspect in their criticisms of the game; that is if they are males, for only a lady knows how another lady feels.

Sun (Sydney), Friday 1 July 1921, page 2

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WOMEN TO PLAY SOCCER

ASSOCIATION FORMED

A meeting was held under the auspices of the Metropolitan (Soccer) Football Association, at the Sports Club, Hunter-street, last night, to consider the formation of a Women's Soccer Football Association. There were over 30 ladies present. Mr. W. Lincoln, president of M.F.A., presided, and other officials present were Messrs. G. K. Martin (hon. secretary), Mr. F. West (president M.J.F.A.), and K. Jones, F. Langford, W. McAllister, C. Robinson, W. Chapman, and E. Drew. The ladies watched the proceedings with interest, and were keen for the formation of an association. Some of them had played in Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, and Melbourne. It was decided to form an association, to be called the Sydney Ladies' Soccer F.A. The following wore elected to the necessary positions: — President, Miss M. Alexander; hon. secretary, Miss D. Finigan; hon. treasurer, Mrs. S. Reed; management committee, Miss M. Thomas, M. Charters, B. Keogh, Z. Maine, and M. Bush. The ladies were given an invitation to attend two first-class Soccer football matches at, Wentworth Park Oval to-morrow. The first management committee meeting of the new organisation will be held next Monday at the Sports Club, and the first practice match will take place at Wentworth Park Oval on Tuesday night.

Week (Brisbane), Friday 1 July 1921, page 18

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SOCCER FOOTBALL.

FORMATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS

By "RIGHT HALF."

Quite a craze has set in in Sydney for the formation of women football clubs, and Brisbane has become infected with the idea through the Soccer code. Women play Soccer in Great Britain, and in France, in which countries the game is considered the most suitable for those women who want to play football. Both the Sydney and Brisbane Soccer Associations are alive to this fact, and in the former place a move has already been made in the direction of running women's clubs. The Queensland body considered the matter at its meeting this week. In the meantime, correspondence is invited from those girls who are interested in the formation of such clubs.

In England last season, the French women Soccer footballers defeated an English team by 2 goals to 1. A huge crowd witnessed the game. I remember reading a description of the match—or, at least, a description of the girls who. played in it. The writer was too much hypnotised by "bare knees, adorned by the most fascinating of dimples" to write much about the match itself. He described one French player as "the prettiest little thing who ever strayed off the cover of a magazine on to a football ground." Some kid! as the American would say. The football critic did not stop there. "She is the smallest member of the team." he wrote, "but has a figure like a more solid Venus di Medici." Ye gods!

What a crowd a few such players would attract at the 'Gabba.

The question has been raised whether or not the Australian girls are of a sufficient physique to play football. I was talking the matter over with an official of the Q.F.A. the other day and he pointed out that the Brisbane girl was not so big, strong, and well developed as the Lancashire girls. The English XI, which played France, it might be mentioned, was comprised mostly of girls from the factories of Lancashire, but although they were a heavier combination than the French women. they failed to win. This, of course, goes to prove that it is not always weight that counts in Soccer. Science is almost variably the deciding factor. The French team was drawn from the magasins and offices of Paris—long, thin girls; short, nuggety girls; big, lumpy girls; and dainty, shapely-girls.

Why, the smallest member of the French team Mdlle. Rigal, the girl with the "fascinating dimples," was the trickiest player on the field. Surely, in face of this, no one can deny that the material for women Soccer, teams is available in Brisbane.

"Miriam" (Kangaroo Point), as though anticipating my thoughts on the above subject, writes under yesterday's date, as follows: "I have been a constant visitor this season to the 'Gabba, and while watching the games there I have often thought what great fun it would be if the contestants were women instead of men. I notice that attempts are being made in New South Wales to form football clubs for women, but the only game of the different codes that appeals to me and most members of my sex, is Soccer. I should be glad if you would publish this letter in

your Soccer notes on Thursday-  if only Messrs. Kendal, Hildreth, and Co. make a move in the matter, I am sure you will find that quite a number of girls will come forward. Several of my friends have already made up their minds in the matter.

TOOWOOMBA WOMEN TO PLAY.

Word has been received in Brisbane that a movement is on foot to start women Soccer clubs in Toowoomba. The secretary of the B.F.A. in the Downs city states that several girls have approached him in the matter. An invitation has been issued by the executive to other members of the fair sex. who wish to play Soccer, to send in their names. It is hoped to form two clubs, almost immediately.

Beaudesert Times, Friday 1 July 1921, page 6

100 Years Ago Today. 27 June 1921

 

Daily Standard (Brisbane), Friday 24 June 1921, page 7

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FOOTBALL; SOCCER

(By "WANDERER.")

The positions of the senior clubs up to an including games played on June 18 are as follows:-

….

The match of the day will be played at Bundanba. Bush Rats are leading Bundanba in the competition by two points, and the team that wins this game will probably take the premiership. Bundanba, who, like the. majority of the Ipswich teams, are hard to beat on their own ground, may win. Wynnum, who are at home to South Brisbane, should annex two points.

Tristram Bros, have presented a handsome shield to the Q.F.A. for competition. The competition will be run on the knock-out principle, and the draw for the first round to be played on July 9 resulted as follows:

Western Suburbs v Queen's Park, Bush Rats v Pineapple Rover, Toowong v Kangaroos, Thistle v Blackstone, Bulimba v Corinthians, Wynnum n Kedron, Brisbane City bye. 

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner’ Advocate, Monday 27 June 1921, page 6

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WESTON

Among a large number of letters and telegrams of sympathy received by Nurse Pearce on the occasion of the death of her son were those from Weston Town Bank, CessnockBank, Methodists Ladies Church Aid, Weston L.O.L, Weston Prodestant Federation and Hebburn Colliery Survey Staff. Floral tributes were received from Deputies and Shot-firers, Weston Soccer Club, Weston Rugby League, Weston Town Band, Wenton Band Ladies' Committee, Cessnock Band, Hebburn Survey Staff, Mr D. Roach, Lance and Lizzie Charlton, Weston L.O.L, Elsie Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Langford, Mr. and Mrs. Ridley, Mr. and Mrs. Hadfield, Mr. and Mrs. Hector, Mr. and Mrs. Fairfall, Mr. Roderick and family, Nurse Hawkins, Nellie and Joe Ruddley, Charlie, Harry and Bert Wrighton. The Rev. D. Weatherall, referred to the fine manly qualities of the deceased, the outstanding feature of his life being his devotion to his widowed mother. He was an enthusiastic Soccer footballer and played his last game on June 11 for Weston. 

 

The Week (Brisbane), Friday 8 July 1921

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DEATH OF MR. EDWINM ALDRED

By “RIGHT HALF”

Soccer devotes in Brisbane will regret to learn that Mr. Edwin (Teddy) Aldred, who before he went to Sydney in 1913 played for Bulimba, is dead. Before coming to Queensland from England, the deceased had played with Leeds City II. He played with Bulimba for several years, and in 1913 he accompanied the Mayor of Brisbane’s (Ald. C. M. Jenkinson) team to New South Wales, when he played a wonderful game, and was partly responsible for the Queenslanders turning the tables on New South Wales for the first time in some years. He did not then return Brisbane, and afterwards qualified for Northern Suburbs, Sydney, and afterwards transferred to the Sydney District Club. When war came he enlisted and fought with the A.I.F. until the declaration of peace. He reappeared in Sydney over a week ago as goalie for Campsie against Pyrmont. According to “Referee” he remarked after the game that he “felt as fit as any fiddle and hoped to return to his usual form within the next few weeks”, but died the following Monday. While the Queenslanders were in Sydney recently, Mr. Aldred acted as their trainer. His death comes as a great shoch to his friends in the Bulimba Club and the interstate players who met him recently. 

(Note: Aldred died on June 20th and obituaries were published that week. This report, which came a fortnight later, is the most clear summary of his career. It should be noted the despite references to Aldred playing for Bulimba for a number of years, there is no reference to him in connection to Australian soccer before 1913 with Bulimba, the interstate games and his move south. He played in 1914, and had most recently been seen in 1919. According to Birth, Deaths and Marriages, he died at the age of 47.) 

Women’s Soccer Rumblings. 

Darling Downs Gazette, Thursday 23 June 1921

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LADY FOOTBALLERS IN TOOWOOMBA

The secretary of the British Football Association advises that he has been approached by several young ladies regarding ladies playing soccer in Toowoomba. Now that the Soccer Association has taken over the Show Grounds it is felt quite sure that this sport can be enjoyed by the sporting fair sex. The secretary will be pleased to hear from any young ladies who would like a game as a trial, which could be arranged in private if required. Perhaps, write the secretary, several could ladies could get a couple of teams together when a match could be arranged any time that they wish. The secretary’s address is Mr W. Lyon, “Moree” Mary Street, Toowoomba. 

Northern Star (Lismore), Monday 27 June 1921 

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WOMEN PLAYNG SOCCER

SYDNEY, Sunday.—A women's soccer team has been formed at Balgownie, South Coast, and has arranged to play a team of women from Woonona.

The Telegraph (Brisbane), Thursday 23 June 1921 

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SOCCER FOOTBALL.

FORMATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS.

Q.F.A. EXECUTIVE TO DISCUSS MATTER.

By "RIGHT HALF."

Quite a craze has set In In Sydney for the formation of women football clubs, and Brisbane has become infected with the idea through the Soccer code. Women play Soccer in Great Britain, and In France, in which countries the game is considered the most suitable for those women who want to play football.

Both the Sydney and Brisbane Soccer Associations are alive to this fact, and in the former place a move has already been made in the direction of forming women's clubs. The Queensland body is to consider the matter at its meeting next week. In the meantime, correspondence is invited from those girls who are interested in the formation of such clubs.

In England last season, the French women Soccer footballers defeated an English team by 2 goals to 1. A huge crowd witnessed the game. I remember reading a description of the match —or, at least a description of the girls who played in it. The writer was too much hypnotised by "bare knees, adorned by the most fascinating of dimples" to write much about the match itself. He described one French player as - "the prettiest little thing who over strayed off the cover of a magazine on to a football ground." Some kid! as the American would say. The football critic did not stop there, "She is the smallest member of the team," he wrote, "but has a figure like a more solid Venus di Medici." Ye gods! What crowd a few such players would attract at the 'Gabba.

* * *

The question has been asked whether or not the Australian girls are of a sufficient physique to play football. I was talking the matter over with an official of the Q.F.A. the other day, and he pointed out that the average Brisbane girl was not so big, strong, and well developed as the Lancashire girls. The English XI, which played France, it might be mentioned, was comprised mostly of girls from the factories of Lancashire, but although they were a heavier combination than the French women, they failed to win. This, of course, goes to prove that it is not always weight that counts in Soccer. Science is almost invariably the deciding factor. The French team was drawn from the magasins and offices of Paris — long, thin girls; short, nuggety girls; big, lumpy girls ; and dainty, shapely girls. Why, the smallest member of the French team, Mdlle Rigal, the girl with the "fascinating dimples,", was the trickiest player on the field. Surely, in face of this, no one can deny that the material for women Soccer teams is available in Brisbane.

* * *

"Mirian" (Kangaroo. Point), as though anticipating my thoughts on the above subject, writes under yesterday's date, as follows: "I have been" a constant visitor this season, to the 'Gabba, and while watching the games there I have often thought what great fun it would be if the contestants were women instead of men. I notice that attempts are being made in New South Wales to form football clubs for women, but the only game of the different codos that appeals to me and most members of my sex, is Soccer. I should be glad if you would, publish this letter in your Soccer notes on Thursday. If only Messrs. Kendal, Hildreth, and Co., make a move in the matter, I am sure you will find that quite a number of girls will come forward.  Several of my friends have already made their minds in the matter."

The Trials of George Macaulay

These are three amazing documents sent to me by Val Finlayson. They are form letters (neither personalised nor signed) sent by Harry Bingham inviting George Macaulay to: 

1. Be selected for an England v Scotland game in 1930 (George was in fact Irish and did not play in the game);
2. Be available for the Division 1 team to play against the Division 2 team later in the same year. George was in fact selected and helped to create a goal in the first minute of play;
3. Play in the Victorian team for the Interstate Carnival in Sydney in 1932. The letter also contains travel instructions.

They are remarkable because they give us some insight into bureaucratic and selection practices of the VSFA in the early 1930s. More to come.

But they do more than this. They also give us a picture of the way transport was organised and the extent to which they players were required to supply material that would be provided for them in today's elite level soccer. 

The 'man in Grey' is a curious notion. Apparently (thanks Mav and Adam Muyt) it refers to  a booth at Spenser St Station that was set up to answer traveller's queries and seems to have been a regular meeting point.

100 Years Ago Today 3 June 1921

Queensland Times (Ipswich), Wednesday 1 June 1921, page 4

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COLLIERY EMPLOYEES' SPORTS. 

The Queensland Colliery Employees' Sports Club,;in accordance with the usual custom, will hold a sports carnival on the Bundanba racecourse, on Friday next (King's Birthday). The committee has been working energetically during the past few weeks, and the arrangements are now about completed. A good day's sport is assured, Judging by the number of entries which have been received for the various events, and if the function is patronised as largely as the committee expects, a record success should compensate the promoters for the trouble they have gone to in making the preparations. Pedestrian and horse events are set down for decision and not the least of the attrac tions will be the junior inter-city soccer match, one of the events of the season so far as local patrons of this form of sport are concerned; This match will begin at 3.15 p.m. and should, in itself, be a big "draw" to the Q.C.I.U. carnival

Daily Mail (Brisbane), Friday 3 June 1921, page 7

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ankle deep in mud.

queenslanders plight;

(Bv a Special Correspondent.)

SYDNEY, Thursday.— After having subsisted for two days upon cups of tea and refreshment-room pies, about a hundred hungry Queenslanders stopped off the mail train at Central station in the early hours of this morning. The ladies wore a most dejected air. All their Queen-street finery had been ruined by the rain and mud of Ben Lomond. One lady lost a pair of expensive suede shoes, and tramped off the platform in her husband's house slippers. The troubles of the passengers who left Brisbane at 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning began at Glen Inncs, where a railway official informed them that owing to land slide the mail could not pass. The Train was shunted into a siding. In several carriages the lights were inoperative, and the passengers could not see to undress in the crowded carriages. The Queensland soccer team kept up its spirits by singing "Do I Want, to See My Mother Any more?" and "Take Me Back to Brisbane." Before the day broke crowds of sleepy passengers besieged the refreshment rooms in search of tea and toast, and it was still dark when the train moved out of Glen Innes for Ben Lomond, a few miles away. Just before Ben Lomond was reached the order "all get out" was given. Rain had fallen all night, and when the passengers lowered themselves from the mail train on to the permanent way they found themselves in a sorry plight. Anklc-deep in mud, they were called upon to transport their luggage about a quarter of a mile to the relief train. To do this the men had to clamber up an almost perpendicular height, as the track was impossible be' tween the train and the railway bank. Many persons had had falls in the mud, but the majority took their reverses in good spirit. Eventually the passengers and luggage were lined up in the vicinity of the engine, which was partially buried, and the relief train got away from Ben Lomond for Sydney about 9 o'clock amid cheers.

Lest we ennoble the soccer players too much: this https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/253206276?searchTerm=soccer

Herald (Melbourne), Wednesday 8 June 1921, page 7

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football for women

CLAIMS OF RUGBY URGED

SYDNEY, Wednesday.

Considerable controversy In tho newspapers is going on concerning the proposal to establish women's Rugby football clubs In Sydney.

Many people are opposed to the scheme, and medical men have given the opinion that the strain of the game will affect the girls In later life.

Miss Ella Gormlcy, one of the physical culture experts of the Education Department, is opposed to Rugby being played by the girls. She said that in the American universities the girls played "soccer" (Association football), but that was a different game from Rugby. She fancied that this craze for football among Sydney girls was due to tho photographs of the French and English women's football teams and the news of their matches, but she thought the Sydney girls over looked the fact that the game these teams played was "soccer" and not Rugby. She thought that there were plenty of games in which girls could indulge without taking up Rugby football.

Age, Monday 6 June 1921, page 9

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Soccer

Windsor 6? goals, St Kilda - 2 goals 

Other results:— 

League I

• Preston 9, Footscray Thistle ,0;
• Melbourne Thistle 2 (Robertson, Grant), Spotswood 1 (Shrives).
• N. and D. 1 (Lennox) Albert Park 0.

League II

• Welsh United 4, Preston A 0; 
• Thistle A 4, St. David's 0; 
• St Kilda A 9, Windsor A 2; 
• Brunswick 6, Yarra Falls 0.

If we have time: 
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/242499227

Soccer is Ordinary

A letter from George's Mother

Val Finlayson has sent me a copy of a letter written by her Grandmother and George Macaulay's mother to her son Sam. It contains evidence of a soccer culture in Melbourne that shines a light on how 'ordinary' soccer was for those families involved in the game. 

The letter was written on the evening of Wednesday 17 May, 1933, while the Footscray Thistle "soccer committee" were meeting  in the Macaulay residence at 17 Napier St Footscray. Mrs Macaulay discusses some family news before writing: 

Geo went to Wonthaggi on Sat, it was a pouring wet day here, it was also bad up there. Charlie Shiels went with them. Preston won, they left Won, at 10 O'Clock & was home at two in the morning. The roads were greasy & besides there was sleet falling however they got home without an accident.

While while not particularly earth shattering the letter nevertheless contains some important information.

• We can assume perhaps that the Macaulay residence at 17 Napier St was a regular venue for Footscray Thistle SC committee meetings.
• Why George Macaulay goes to Wonthaggi when his own team is playing St Kilda is an interesting question. Was he dropped? Injured? Rested?
• He and some other men (Charlie Shiels included) were interested enough in the game to travel to Wonthaggi to see Preston beat Wonthaggi Magpies 8-1 - that's State League I level commitment! The apparent danger of the 4-hour return journey only adds to the sense of commitment.
• George's mother sees nothing out of the ordinary is such behaviour.
• We know Preston won well despite the conditions.
• We also learn that a brother had 5 teeth pulled out that day and was having trouble finding work -- but that's by the by.
• Sleet?

So, not earth shattering, but also promising. Information exists in family archives about the ordinary culture of Victorian soccer in the 1930s. I am so grateful to Val Finlayson (with whose permission the letter is published above) for once again providing me with inspirational family artifacts that perhaps reveal more about the history of soccer than a family holding them might imagine.

Mapping Footscray's Soccer History

It's growng. Slowly.

My knowledge of Footscray soccer history has grown from zero to really not very much in a year. But 'not very much' is perhaps about as much as anyone else knows. The people who should know: Footscray historians and soccer historians have left it in either the "well I'll be buggered, who'da thunk" box or the "too hard basket". John Lack's history of Footscray, for example, fails to mention the game at all, and the Footscray Historical Society (FHS) had little idea until very recently. To be fair they have welcomed me with open arms and have been particularly supportive, supplying a number of vital leads explored below.

Yet for nearly a 20 year period, bewteen 1914  and the mid 1930s, Footscray, in the form of Northumberland & Durhams and Footscray Thistle, can be fairly described as a driving force of Victorian soccer, one or the other being there at the business end of most senior competitions. The lack of knowledge about the two clubs is not surprising but it remains an annoyance.

Footscray Advertiser July 1940

From my first engagement with the FHS I obtained 5 photographs of the Footscray Thistle team, discussed here. This led to a meeting with Val Finlayson, daughter of George Macaulay, one of Thistle's prominent players between 1927 and 1939. More recently 'Barbara from FHS' found this little article (right) in the Footscray Advertiser from July 1940. An inordinately sad piece, it described the literal and symbolic moment Footscray Thistle was ended as a club. The vandals didn't destroy the club because it was already on the way out but they helped to precipitate a somewhat pathetic ending to Melbourne's first soccer Super Club.

The advantage of the article is that it located the place of the club's final moment. Some digging in Trove revealed that in 1939 the club's 'new ground' was sited at the 'foot of Napier St', 'next to the Swing bridge'. It was also clear that the club had planted a number of trees (with the Council's approval) near the ground in 1939. The important question was which side of Napier St. The north (pink) or the south (blue).

On Saturday morning 29 May I undertook to try to find and video clues as to the ground's location, producing this 6 minute mini doco on twitter, typically inspiring #sokkahtwitter to chip in. While the general consensus seemed to be that the Southern side was most likely, we could not be sure. Discovering the below aerial shot looking west seems to have solved the puzzle. It places the ground squarely on the south side. The large road in the right foreground which crosses the river is Napier St and the patch of ground to its left seems the only possible space for a soccer ground.

c1939 Footscray looking West, ID: 1528, 
an image owned by the Footscray Historical society

A crop of the above image at the corner of Napier and Moreland Strees.

Well, that's 1939-40 knocked over. The harder job is to work backwards and map them all. We know from documents provided by Val Nicholson, that in 1935-36 the club definitely played out of Yarraville Cricket Club's ground on Williamstown Road. It is likely they also played there all the years from 1932 until 1938. Earlier they played at Yarraville Gardens, and sometimes on Ammunition Flat and a number of other grounds the names of which are rendered unclear in newspaper reports. 

I'm confident we can get there and map the places Footscray Thistle (and Northumberland & Durhams) called home. 

Schoolboys Soccer in Melbourne. Early notes

1923

Age, Friday 18 May 1923, page 7

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Soccer

Five teams selected from the Melbourne technical schools have been entered into a competition in cup tie rules and the winning team will hold the Osborne House cup for twelve months. 

1933

1933 Uni High starts soccer

Age, Monday 21 August 1933, page 7

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SOCCER.

CONSOLATION SHIELD. University High School 5 goals (Marshall 4 and Busby) d. Coburg 1 (Forrest).

Herald, Thursday 31 August 1933, page 10

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SCHOOLBOYS' COMPETITION— 

Glenroy v. University High A; 

Preston v. Geelong Road; 

Heidelberg v. Brunswick; 

Middle Park B v. Albert Park; 

University High B v. Graham Street [pm]; 

Footscray v. Coburg; 

Box Hill v. Vermont; 

Si. Kilda v. Brighton.

Herald, Thursday 7 September 1933, page 10

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By "Onward"

SCHOOLBOYS' DUNKLfNG SHIELD FINAL. 

— Brighton v. University High, at Middle Park; kick Off 1.30 p.m. 

BRUNSWICK DISTRICT SHIELD. 

— Brunswick East v. Brunswick West, 

Coburg A v Glenrov. 

COMPETITION GAMES. 

Preston v. Heidelberg. 

Footscray v. Geelong Road. 

Box Hill v. Vermont. 

St Kilda v. Middle Park A. 

Middle Park B v. Graham Street (Port Melbourne), 

B.P.C. v. Albert Park.

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Saturday 7 October 1933, page 3

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INTERSTATE SOCCER

Kingswood v. Hakoah

JUNIOR GAME 

Before the big Soccer match at the Exhibition Oval Hakoah Juniors met University High School. FINAL HAKOAH JUNIORS 3. UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL 2. 

GOAL-KICKERS. 

Hakoah. — Pinch, Edelstein, Stern. 

High School. — Marshall. Bellchambcrs.

1934

Age, Monday 9 April 1934, page 5

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SOCCER.

State School League.— 

Preston 4, Bell U 0, 

Geelong-road 1, Tottenham 0. 

Hyde-street 2, University High School 0. 

North Melbourne 1. Beattie Ph. Col. 0, 

Middle Park A 7, Middle Park B 0.

1935

Argus, Thursday 23 May 1935, page 7

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Schoolboys' Soccer Association

Following are the fixtures for the Schoolboys' Soccer Association:-

University High School A v. Preston, 

Heidelberg v. North Melbourne. 

Moreland v. Coburg West, 

Coburg High School v. Brunswick, 

Tottenham v. Sunshine, 

University High B v. Middle Park, 

Sandridge v. Brighton, 

Geelong Road a bye.

Record (Emerald Hill), Saturday 29 June 1935, page 6

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SOCCER NOTES

Juniors Record Seventh Victory

(By 'Neslo.')

On Saturday last, at the expense of the University High School Old Boys, the local Junior Soccer Club recorded their seventh victory for the season. Weather permitting, the local juniors are confident of winning their match against University next week, the winners to take the title of 'State Junior Champions.' South Melbourne juveniles' fixture against Heidelberg was postponed on Saturday owing to the sodden state of the ground at Heidelberg. To-day the local juveniles will meet Heidelberg in the final of the 'Miller Cup.' Middle Park Schoolboys were easily defeated by their much heavier opponents on Saturday. The final score was 7 goals to 1. Kaye was the scorer for Middle Park. 

On Saturday night the visiting Wonthaggi Schoolboys, together with the Middle Park boys, were entertained at the Middle Park Theatre. The manager of the theatre congratulated the Wonthaggi Boys on their victory, and promised to donate a cup for the Wonthaggi and the local boys to compete for every year. 

The Victorian Junior Association propose to send a team to New South Wales or South Australia either in September of this year or early next season. The local Junior Club will propose, at the next Association meeting, that two teams go interState at the same time next year, one team to go to New South Wales and the other to South Australia. 

Results of last Saturday's matches are as follows: — 

South Melbourne Seniors, 2 goals, drew with Coburg, 2 goals. Goal kickers:— South Melbourne: Kerr and Fyfe; Coburg: Robertson and Tennant. 

South Melbourne Juniors. 4 goals, defeated University High School Old Boys, 1 goal. Goal-kickers: - South Melbourne: Scrafton (2), Wilson and Carter; University High School Old Boys: Marshall, 

Wonthaggi Schoolboys, 7 goals, defeated Middle Park School, 1 goal Goal-kickers:— Wonthaggi: Keay (5)-Tibbies. (2); Middle Park: Kaye. Fixtures (or Saturday, July #-:— Dockerty Cup.— South Melbourne v. Camherwcll, at Camber well; 3 p.m. 

Junior Cup—South Melbourne v. University High School Old Boys, at Olympic Park; 1,30 pm. 

Miller Cup.— South Melbourne juveniles v. Preston, at Heidelberg; 3 p.m. 

Metropolitan Cup, — Middle Park Schoolboys v. University High School Old Boys, at Middle Park; 11a.m. 

Selected teams for Saturday:— 

Seniors: Fenn, A. Kego, Gow, J. Kego, Thompson, O'Brien, Kerr, King, Fyfe. Wilson and Smith. Reserves: Muir and Tyson. 

Juniors: Barton. McKinty, Dorrington, Hutchinson, Guthrie, Boast. Carter, Wilson. Moore, Scrafton, Dixon. At Olympic, Park at 1 pm. 

Juveniles: Webster, Hodge or Reddish, Collins, Sinclair, McLeod, McLaggan, Wanliss, O'Halloran or Boyd, Bywaters and Wilson. Meet corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets at 2 p-m. 

Schoolboys: Sinclair, Gleeson, Wilson, Bickerton, Wilton, Williams. Woolhouse, Boyd, Kaye, Gains, Mackie. Reserves; Stone Morley and Ding. On ground at 10.15 a.m. sharp.

 

Herald (Melbourne), Thursday 5 December 1935, page 54

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SOCCER MAKES PROGRESS

The altered conditions that will operate in 1937 was considered to be a progressive step, because, each senior club would then be obliged to run first, reserve and junior teams, as well as foster one or more schoolboy teams. The Old Boys Association it was stated had done useful work during the two years of their existence, in bringing together old players and others interested in the welfare of the game, and lending a helping hand where it was most needed to further the interests of the code. 

1936 

Glen Sheppard Cup (Schoolboys).— 

Preston v. Footscray,
Heidelberg v. Northcote High,
Middle Park B v. Albert park C.B.,
Melbourne High v. Coburg High,
Brighton Technical v. University High, 

Tottenham v. Middle Park A

West Melbourne Technical schhool??

100 Years Ago Today 27 May 1921

Toowoomba Chronicle, Tuesday 31 May 1921, page 7

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INTER-STATE SCHOOL.

CAWDOR, Monday.

Three boys have been selected from the Country team which recently, defeated Brisbane to represent the State in the interstate soccer football matches in New South Wales this week. They are: Eric Browne, left full-back; Jeff Browne, right wing forward (Cawdor); and Vincent Hanrahan, left wing forward (Geham). Considerable disappointment is felt amongst the Country team that Frank and Parker were not included. Other centres have greater representation, although considerably weaker than the Country team. However, it is the old story of Queen-street influence. The boys leave by the Sydney mail on Thursday.

Toowoomba Chronicle, Tuesday 31 May 1921, page 7

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FOOTBALL.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION. BALGOWAN, .7; OAKEY, 0.

At Oakey on Saturday last. Oakey Western Suburbs entertained Balgowan F.C. in the premiership competition, the visitors winning by 7 goals to nil. Mr. A. Squelch was referee. W. Kennedy, late of the Casuals F.C. played centre forward, and was responsible for five goals, two being from penalties, while Murphy and Williams registered one each. Although Balgowan won by a big majority, the game was not as one-sided as it would appear to have been. Oakey are a good combination, and all are young players. Toowoomba Soccer supporters will have the pleasure of seeing both these teams in action next Saturday in Queen's Park, when I am quite sure good football will be played. Balgowan are a very strong team, and the play on Saturday. was very clean and interesting. W. Kennedy, although a masterpiece at fullback, shone to great perfection as centre forward. Both Casuals and Diggers were informed when he played in Toowoomba that centre forward was his position, but would not take any heed. The schools' committee would like all the boys to see these two teams play in Toowoomba and take particular notice of the combination. Supporters are asked to keep next Saturday afternoon vacant, and roll up in good numbers.

Also in the Chronicle

BOODUA.

Friday.

A Soccer football match was played on the local ground last Saturday afternoon, Boodua playing Goombungee B grade, in the first round of the fixtures. The following were the teams represented: Boodua (Black and White}: Goal, R. Lewis; iuUbaokii, C. Jones, Lyons; half backs, \v. Wood, "P. Barrett (captain), H. Mcrwx- -,

forwards, E. Hughes, D. Hughes, G. Lyons, C. Schneider, J. Norton. Goombungee (Rainbows): 

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/162613286

World (Hobart), Saturday 28 May 1921, page 7

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FOOTBALL

COTTRELL-DORMER COMPETITION. 

TO-DAY'S SOCCER MATCHES.

Hobart will meet South Hobart on the Show Ground this afternoon. The last meeting of these teams resulted in a win tor Hobart, snatched within the last two minutes' play, so supporters are assured of an exciting tussle to-day. Both teams will be strongly represented, and Referee Kirfoot will have charge of the game. Players to catch 2.30 train to Elwick. 

Hobart team: Miller, Boyes, Pearson, Dillon, Gilbert, Hemsley, Beattie, J. Honeysett, Lovett, Gayton, Stoner. 

South Hobart team: Hudson, Cracknell (2), Graves, Stuart, Williams, Followes, L. Honeysett, Vout, Stevens, Maycock. and Carter.

Port Adelaide News, Friday 27 May 1921, page 7

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BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

Cheltenham, 3 goals, beat Sturt, 1 goal. This match, played on Saturday, was the best game of soccer seen this season. Right till the final the result was in doubt, when Roberts, from a breakaway and a low ground shot, put the match to Cheltenham's credit. The ball travelled quickly from one end to the other. Gormlie missed several opportunities to score and place Sturt in the lead. From a pass from the back lines Croger saved, and centring well Robertson had a breakaway and from a great shot gave Sturt the first goal. Cheltenham came away, the outside wings playing great football. The ball was placed well into goal, and Sanstrom saved. Jackman centred, and from a melee Robertson pushed it through. Halftime arrived with the teams 1 goal each. From the kick-off Sturts had the better of the game, and had their opponents on the defensive. The defence proved sound, and Sturts lost opportunities. Robertson (Sturt) and Cameron (goalie for Cheltenham) collided, and the former ricked his knee. Cheltenham came away and Brown handled in the penalty area. Cameron converted the resulting penalty kick into a goal. Cheltenham, 2 goals; Sturt 1. Roberts with a daisy cutter put Cheltenham 3 up.

Age, Monday 30 May 1921, page 11

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Soccer.

A large crowd witnessed the game between Windsor and Albert Park. Windsor were too good, and finished 7 goals to nil. 

Other results were:— 

St. Kilda 2 (Lamb, Cameron); N. mid D. 1 (Robison) ; 

Footscray Thistle 1 (Thomas). Melbourne Thistle nil. 

League II — 

Thistle A 4. Welsh United 1; 

Brunswick 1, Windsor A nil; 

St David nil, Preston A nil.

Slavia in Sunshine?

The six photos discussed here are team shots taken in 1969 by Eddie Ward in Sunshine of a schoolboy soccer team wearing Slavia shirts. They represent two sets of three. The first set is boys and officials; the second is team only.

Initially I was at a loss to know what to make of them. Mark Boric's first response was to query the idea of Sunshine players in a Slavia kit. I agreed. So I developed the fanciful hypothesis that the team was Port Melbourne technical school and the shirts are indicative of a connection between the school and Slavia. But I really had no idea. As could be expected some of the soccer history sleuths of #sokkahtwitter got to work.

Straight off the bat, Jason Calleja suggested that they were taken at Chaplin reserve. Victor Brincat (who would know!) confirmed. Tony Persoglia gets the first box of chocolates though. Turns out that the team was almost certainly Sunshine Heights Slavia, a club which only lasted for two or three seasons. The team is most likely the U 16 team. We should be able to discern some names to attach to some of the individuals in the photos. George Cotsanis contacted his mate Greg Daglis who had played for Sunshine Heights as a youngster. Greg wrote the following response for which I am very grateful:

[Mr Maunder is] the elderly fella standing extreme right. Look I was only a young kid, under/6 there till under/16 and he was there for everyone - with of course others in the background assisting. A huge impact on the juniors, especially our team for 4/5 years in a row was Jim Papashalis, coach, manager, Uber driver. He picked us up, loaded his Falcon with 6/7/8 kids in Sunshine West straight to Castley Reserve, Glengala road. training, game days. A most passionate guy, decent player himself at WSSC. Seriously like a father to us. And then there was Frank Grixti coaching a little later until all the under 16 team then won the Australian championships in Adelaide. We spent a week there living in players' family homes from the club that held the competition (Para Hills soccer club), playing teams from all over the country. Beat everyone! Sunshine Heights, top junior club if not the best, for me anyway. Then all the team ended up at WSSC reserve team, except for Sebastian Italia who went to sunshine city, Peter Wiscneski Polonia, I think with Daniel Bozic.  I won B&S reserves I think in 1974 it was. Turned 16 in May, elevated to the seniors, the rest is history.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this club is that it provides for me at least a kind of missing link between Port Melbourne Slavia and Essendon Slavia, which went on to become Prahran Slavia. 

More to be done.

The following information supplied by Tony Persoglia was copied from the 1969 VSF yearbooks:

SUNSHINE HEIGHTS SLAVIA, U.10, U.12, U.16
Sec.: D. Maunders, 19 Arnold St., Sunshine, 3020. 393 1261 (day).
Ground: Castley Reserve, Glen Gala Rd., Sunshine Heights.
Colours: Shirts, blue, yellow trim; Shorts, white; Socks, red & white.

But it's not until the 1970 yearbook that we learn that the club's change strip is Red and White (ie probably the Slavia kits in the photos below)

Rather than put all 6 images in the article I have just used 4, A long shot and a cropped shot from each set. Note that in both cases the cropped photo is from a different photo from the one above it. If anyone needs to see all photos, get in contact.

I'm grateful to the Footscray Historical Society  for sharing the images with me. If anyone is interested in working at the Society on the Eddie Ward collection contact them through the above link. They are always looking for volunteers.

100 Years Ago Today 20 May 1921

Sun (Kalgoorlie), Sunday 22 May 1921, page 4

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Sport as a Nation Builder

Britons the world over are noted for their fondness for sport and pastimes. Before the commencement of the war, students of national character were getting restless at the evergrowing importance attached to sporting events as compared with the more serious problems of life. ...

.... cricket outrivals football, but all the same the latter is the most popular game, because the thrills of a single afternoon's play are quick and numerous. Footballers require a steady nerve too, but not to the extent that a topnotch cricketer does. 

In Australia, football is played under a code of rules entirely our own, and it is gradually supplanting the old English games of rugby and Soccer. In Sydney the Australian game is making steady progress, but it will probably take many years of cultivation before it becomes the principal winter pastime in that city. 

Armidale Chronicle, Saturday 21 May 1921, page 7

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SOCCER.

The Armidale City Soccer Club held its weekly meeting on Tuesday last. Correspondence was read, and the team selected to play to-day (Saturday), at Tenterfleld. It is as follows:—Goal, A. Woodcock; hacks, W. Gill, A. Bidley; half-backs, L, Gaites, F. W. Miner, (Capt.), G. Handley; forwards, W. Reach, C. Lesnie, R. Woodcock, J. McAvoy, A. N. Other. Reserve: J. Simpson, J. A. Gardner. Referee. Mr. T. Smith.

Four new applications were received for nomination, which were approved and accepted, which brings the total number of members up to 59. Three new applications from players of note in the Soccer code, arc anticipated shortly, and, by the inclusion of these players in the team, it is considered that Armidale will be capable of fielding an eleven well able to hold their own against the N.S.W. State team, which is expected to visit this town in August next.

Applications for membership to the Club will be received at all times by the Captain, Vice-Captain, and Secretary, so those desirous of Joining are asked to do so quickly, in view of the matches to be played in the near future.

Players selected to visit Tenterfield are reminded to assemble on the Railway Station not later than 3 o'clock this (Saturday) morning, 21st inst.

Geraldton Express, Friday 20 May 1921, page 4

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FOOTBALL.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

(By Onlooker.")

On Saturday last the opening league match of the season took place at Queen's Park, the teams being Town and Queen's Park Rangers. It was a typical opening match, and one could see at a glance that the players were not up to concert pitch. Rangers started off well, and should have scored in the first minute. However they scored about ten minutes from the start, Glendenning scoring from a penalty given against Bishop for handling in the penalty area. The Rangers continued to monopolise the play, and scored again twice through Cooper and Currie. Half time arrived with the scores: Rangers, 3 goals. Town, nil. 

In the second half play was a little more even, but Rangers were always dangerous near goal, Glendenning and Cooper scoring. Result: Rangers, 5 goals. Town, nil. Rangers, who could only muster ten men, played better combination than their opponents, but Glendenning was the pick, and in fact the best player on the field. Secker a right half, a new player also played well. For Town Barker and Bishop at back were the pick, but they played very ragged football. However, they are sure to improve as the season advances. Second Officer Crickmer, of the S.S. Athol, had charge of the game and gave general all round satisfaction.

Swan Express, Friday 20 May 1921, page 3

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FOOTBALL.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

On the Esplanade last Saturday Midland Athletic tried themselves against Perth City, and although beaten they played a fair game, but their failure was due to lack of training. Midland won the toss, and the home team kicked off. In the first half play was only fair and Perth City managed to score. In the second half Midland tried hard to equalise, but their efforts proved fruitless. In the latter stages Perth bombarded Midland's goals, but the Athletic's custodian proved too good, until Graham shot from well out, and scored the second for Perth City. Final result: Perth City 2, Midland 0. 

To-morrow the local lads travel by the usual train to Claremont, and there they will line up against the Training College eleven. Midland will be represented by Dower, Clarke (2), Motteram, Smart, Bond, Davidson, Wright, Birch, Kimber, Bradshaw, Christian and Gallagher.

Southern Districts Advocate (Katanning), Monday 23 May 1921, page 3

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Katanning Road Board

A request was to hand from the soccer players for the use of the recreation ground for playing matches on Sundays, and this, after discussion, was refused by six votes to four.

West Australian, Monday 23 May 1921, page 9

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FOOTBALL. THE LEAGUE GAMES. 

The third round of games in the league ±ompetition were decided last Saturday afternoon in wet weather. Continuous rain during the afternoon completely spoiled the football and soccer tactics were much in evidence. ... Sparrow received a free in front of the posts. but only managed a single. In the blinding rain, Subiaco rushed the ball forward. and Beisley soccered a goal. From a scrimmage Easts added a single. 

[imagine if today's IP conventions were in force then]

Telegraph (Brisbane), Monday 23 May 1921, page 5

• Bush Rats 2 Corinthians 1
• Queen's Park 1 Suburbs 0
• Bundamba 2 Brisbane City 0

Argus, Monday 23 May 1921, page 5

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BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

Melbourne results 21 May

League I

• Melbourne Thistle 2 Windsor 0
• Spotswood 0 St Kilda 6
• N & D 4 Preson 0
• Footscray Thistle 2 Albert Park 0

League II

• St. Kilda A beat St David, 0. 
• Welsh United. 3 drew with Brunswick. 3. 
• Windsor A, l beat Melbourne Thistle 0

"A meeting of the Protest Committee will be held at St. David's Hall Latrobe street, at the protest of Spotswood against Footscray Thistle" (2 weeks ago FT won 6-1)
[a strong narrative of improvement is being pushed by the writer: best goal all season ...; best new player etc]