2 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz CONTENTS PAGE

5 6 7 Holiday Coaching Chris Zoricich Supporters shirt for purchase Programme

8 10 11 Club Physio Metro and Prem Metro and Prem Blisters and football teams teams

15 16 20 7th Grade Phoenix History of the club City U17 report tournament review

Email [email protected] if you would like to submit a match report or a special feature and images.

Graphic design of logos, NEWSLETTER DEADLINE FOR MAY 2014 magazines, book covers and Copy: Wed 30th April 5pm promotional material. Distribution: Tues 6th May 0276 009 562 Newsletter coordination and design by Mini Reis © 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 3 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE ARE WE READY FOR KICK OFF? The WSAFC 2014 season is majority of home games have been Fridays and a fuller menu Saturday finally here! scheduled for a 5pm kickoff on the nights. Fresh ingredients and Saturday, so the balcony atmos- wholesome food. The fields and facilities look phere will be fantastic! amazing and the main body of A really big thanks to the committee The Women’s First Team have players will step onto the various members, coaches, coordinators, retained their league status and will home and away pitches around coaches and managers who do an benefit hugely from sideline support Auckland on the first weekend of awful lot of work at this time of year on the Sunday. The best of luck for April looking fantastic! to get this club to game day. the two teams who have been work- The First Team’s season started on ing hard in the preseason months. Now let’s get out there and have the 29th March and I hope everyone some fun! Be sure when you are down at the at the club takes the opportunity club to try our new upstairs menu. All the best for the season. at some time during the season to Running Wednesday through support them at home or away. Saturday, Patrick Prendergast will Remember, the Men’s team is back be offering light training meal in the first division for the first time options Wednesdays and Thurs- Martin Bell this century! I understand the days, kids specials and adult nibbles ON THE JUNIOR/YOUTH SIDE OF THE CLUB

Given the growing numbers within Welcome to the second Two Coerver Academy newsletter for the season, we the club, it is a challenge to find Programmes commence are not far away from getting training ground options and any the season underway with requests for field availability through in Term 2 May 5th 2014 kick off scheduled for the the week need to be channelled Coerver Development weekend of the 4th April for past Geoff Brogan, however, Unit: the AFF Competitions. options are very limited. As an Monday nights: additional reminder, please take In terms of our in-house and Junior 3 x sessions at 3:40– care of the fields and follow the programmes, these will start the 4:40pm, 4:45–5:45pm, simple rules of not climbing fences same weekend. We have now had 5:50–6:50pm. and wearing the right footwear, this our coaches and managers meet- will save a great deal of grief, plus Coerver Advanced Skills ing for the year and covered some wear and tear and it would be a of the requirements for the season. Unit shame to have you leave the fields We plan to provide all coaches with Tuesday Nights: for this reason. Hopefully your teams greater opportunities for growth Session 1 are in the process of being settled through a range of programmes 3:40–5:10, and the trainings beginning and with offered through the season and Session 2 5:15–6:45pm that, all the best for the season! there will be more to come on this Register on the club website. throughout the year. 4 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz Michael Hope CHRIS ZORICICH

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL OF FORMER ALL WHITE CHRIS ZORICICH TO WESTERN SPRINGS FOR THE 2014 SEASON. Chris has been brought in as a part of this years coaching staff and will be involved primarily in our youth development programme. Chris made 77 appearances for , including as Captain from 1993 -2003, in an international career that spanned 15 years. He brings energy, experience and great knowledge to the club and we all wish him the best for the coming season.

Image by Phototek.co.nz

NZ All Whites - 77 appearances, 3 goals (including 57 “A” international caps, 1 goal) NZ International Debut - 27 March 1988, vs Israel, World Cup qualifier, aged 18 Final Match for NZ - 22 June 2003, vs France, Confederations Cup, aged 34 NZ All Whites Captain, 1999 - 2003 Confederations Cup Mexico 1999, vs Germany, Brazil & USA Confederations Cup France 2003, vs France, Columbia & Japan NZU19 Representative www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 5 SUPPORTERS SHIRT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE This year we have introduced a new look to the club on-field, and we are also working to improve our off-field look. Our black after-match WSAFC shirt has the club logo on the front, and carries on the theme WSAFC 1989 below the back collar, as we enter our 25th year of playing as Western Springs. The shirt is used by the First Teams for after-match wear, and we are also rolling this out as our on- field shirt for Academies and representative grades. It will also become our away strip shirt for the First Teams. We selected the shirt because it not only is smart enough to wear in the clubrooms, it is also great to wear when training as it is a light material with good breathing qualities. Our goal is to have as many players and supporters wear- ing the shirt, to show their support for WSAFC, whether at training or at the grounds. The price is affordable, at $40 for a shirt, and you can put your own name or team name on the front, and there is also the option to have your favourite number, and name if you want, on the back.

TO ORDER: Fill out the form below and order from the clubrooms.

WSAFC Black Supporters Shirt

Size 4YR 6YR 8YR 10YR 12YR XS S M L XL XXL

Shirt only $40.00 Name on front of shirt under logo $5.00 Name on back of shirt $12.00 Number on back (per Digit) $5.00 Delivery $5.00

Name and delivery address

6 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 7 CLUB PHYSIO BLISTERS AND FOOTBALL

Blisters are one of the most ENGO frictionless patches applied WHAT TO DO WHEN A painful conditions for a to the boots. We have successfully BLISTER OCCURS put these into boots to stop friction footballer will continue to Intact Blisters play on. They frequently The patches are microthin (0.38mm) Painful blisters need to be drained return no matter how much so cannot be felt, and reduce up to with a heated needle. Pierce the tape, creams or patches you 80% of the shear, and are guaran- blister three times in different area put on. teed to last 500km before replacing. to allow the fluid to drain. Multiple Sometimes this is all that is needed The boots are a major cause for piercings are needed because the and can take away the need for blisters. Boots provide minimal hole frequently covers over and tape or plasters. These are available padding around the heel and fluid redevelops . because players like to feel the ball exclusively from Bigfoot Podiatry while playing they prefer to wear http://www.bigfootpodiatry.co.nz/ Always attempt to keep the blister their boots tighter. Furthermore, Bigfoot-Store/ENGO-Blister-Care roof on. This prevents infection and acts as a graft while the new skin the introduction of colourful syn- Callus (thick skin) around the big forms underneath. thetic uppers means the uppers toe joint needs to be removed by a don’t stretch as much as a leather podiatrist. These are common Dress with a low adherent dressing boot. Combine this with the multi- in players who play at a to prevent an infection. directional movements and the fact competitive level. Torn Blister an elite footballer will clock up on average 10km over a game, the feet Double socking—this can work Leave the blister roof in place and and toes take a battering. provided the socks are micro thin. dress with a low adherent dressing. We have found the wigwam triath- The blister roof will act to prevent Boot design is not going to change lete socks are the best but will not infection and as a graft to allow the in the foreseeable future, so to work for everyone. skin to form underneath. prevent blisters we can only rely on correct boot fitting, choosing Note: A podiatry review is required a leather upper or reducing shear when these fail. In certain cases an between the skin and the insole maybe required. boot interface. We have found the best blister solution for footballers is to reduce shear between the skin and the boot and have your boots properly fitted. Our solutions for preventing blisters in footballers are: Ensure your boots fit well or con- sider a leather boot to allow better stretching. A leather boot will always be black because you cannot dye leather. Apply Fixumol and strapping tape to the affected areas e.g. backs of heels or around the toes (see images). This has worked very well Fixumol applied to the Strapping tape placed and is cheap and easy to apply. blister site first over the fixumol 8 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz Deroofed Blister Blood Blisters Blister Kit This is where the blister roof has A healthy respect for blood blis- Simple blister pack should include: come off and you are left with a red ters is needed. Blood indicates Sterile dressing’s e.g cutiplast, raw sore. the deeper layers have been dam- primapore, telpha aged and there is a greater risk for Second skin patches e.g. compeed infection. Most blood blisters will be Fixumol tape are best in these situations. It will painful and require treatment. Here aid healing and prevent the patch Sports strapping tape is the best management for these: from sticking to the blister bed. It e.g leucoplast will get gooey as the blister weeps • Lance/pierce the blister and drain Second skin products but rest assured this provides a the fluid. If the skin is too thick to e.g. compeed good environment for healing. The pierce, a podiatrist is required. Scissors patch can be stopped when there Always use sterile equipment for is minimal tenderness to touch and a blood blister Antibacterial solution.g. betadine the red inflamed region turns pink. Gloves You can then use the prevention • Dress the area with a low strategies outlined above. adherent dressing Advanced Blister Pack NOTE: When pain and increasing All of the above plus: redness forms around the blister, infection has developed and oral Orthopaedic felt antibiotics from your general Scalpel blades e.g D15 blade practitioner are required. ENGO blister patches

This information was provided by Justin Chong from Bigfoot podiatry. He can be contacted for more information on 09 481 0680 Available from Bigfoot Podiatry

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SPORTS PHYSIO

ACC & Private provider • Education • Prevention • Treatment • Rehabilitation PROUD TO BE PHYSIOTHERAPIST OF CHOICE FOR WESTERN SPRINGS AFC

Contact Justin on 021 673 732 www.backtoyourfeet.health.nz Clinic is located upstairs at Western Springs Pavilion, Seddon Fields, 108 Meola Rd www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 9 METRO & PREM TEAMS

Coach: Geoff Brogan 17th Grade - White Stripes Team Name: Came from the band ‘The White Stripes’ Captain: Sophia Dyer Shape: 4-1-4-1 Nemesis team: Didn’t have one last year we won every game. Hopes for this season: To win the league again!

Back: Maddie Nalder, Perosi Mulinuu, Sophie Nicolas, Zoe Brown, Bethany Weller, Ruby Johnston, Miriam Burdon, Correze Schwarz, Annabelle Webster Front: Milly McWhirter, Ella Neighbours, Emma Fletcher, Sophia Dyer, Brooke Hawker, Alicia Kennedy. Absent: Kalisha Moore

Coach: Mark Webster 15th Grade - Europa Where did your team name come from? No idea – they had it before I started coaching them last year (2013) Where do you hope to finish this year? Top 3 What shape do you normally play? 3-4-3 (diamond) Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Probably everyone – we’re in Premiere. The challenge will be to learn from every game and keep the players’ heads up, but they’re a great bunch and they’re parents are really supportive. They won their league last year and really played a great team game. Ruth Burden, Sahmay Ellis, Grace Pooley, Christina Lorch-Church, Sandra Haluza, Mia Duncan-Gardiner, Grace Stewart, Zarina Hewlett, Annabel Price, Brianna Jackson, Megan Jones. Missing: Lillian Merrifield, Jessica Chapman, Ruby Burden, Alliah Morpeth

13th Grade A - The Plastics Coach: Dave Hood Where did your team name come from? Selected by the team from the movie ‘The Mean Girls” Where do you hope to finish this year? Top 4 What shape do you normally play? 1-3-3 Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Don’t know yet Aspiration: To be one of the fittest teams in girls 13th grade league, to trust each other and play a fast paced game

Top left: Lucia Birley, Maya Morpeth, Izzy Searchfield Bottom left: Ella Gray, Farin Dickinson, Joel Kingi, Phoebe Mills Absent: Chloe Hood 10 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz Coach: Wayne Young 9th Grade A Prem - Nero Where did your team name come from? Came from a higher power... Geoff Where do you hope to finish this year? It’s the first run in the “big time” for the boys. Venture into the unknown with fingers crossed. What shape do you normally play? 2-1-2-1 inspired by Neil’s approach to total football Who will be your toughest opposition this year? All of them.

Back Row: Joe Berman, Toby Duff, Max Beullens, Henry Avery Front Row: Kalan Hanks-Papalii, Joe Wallis, Leo Young, Will Smith, Justin Chan Photo by Francine Cameron Photography

Coach: Paul Schirnack 9th Grade B Prem - Blanco Where did your team name come from? Blanco team name was assigned by the club last year. Where do you hope to finish this year? High as possible. It’s going to be a challenge, but the boys & girl will do their best so watch this space. We will have a lot of support from the parents, fun, & do well. What shape do you normally play? Triangles for 2014 Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Western Springs Nero

Back Row: Oliver Cameron, Stanley Schirnack, Cullen Wellman, Liam O’Brien Front Row: Aimee Lamont, James Silcock, Luke Shennan, Woodie Wilson. Absent: Jamie Brockenshire Photo by Francine Cameron Photography

Coach: Phil Dunn 10th Grade Div 1 The Regulators Where did your team name come from? Inspired by Billy the Kid! Where do you hope to finish this year? We have a good team with plenty of skill. Being my first year coaching a prem team in the AFF I am quite unsure where we will end up and what the competition is like. I’d like to see us prove to be the best passers in our grade and with that we should score a plethora of goals. We’re aiming high, and we will have a lot of fun along the way. What shape do you normally play? With width - stretch and pounce. Who will be your toughest opposition this year? I’d say one of the Springs teams should we come across them. Photo by Francine Cameron Photography Back Row: Zach Dunn, Thomas Laing, Christian Donne, Jude Beullens Front Row: Joshua Aitken, Zach Curran, Thomas Oscilowski Absent: Charlie Russell, Pierce Vesty www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 11 METRO & PREM TEAMS

Coach: Rory Cuthbert 10th Grade Prem - Renegades Where did your team name come from? Via a democratic vote. Where do you hope to finish this year? Top 5 of Premier Grade What shape do you normally play? 2, 3,1 and a keeper (or maybe a double arrow formation) Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Eastern Suburbs or Western Springs Thunder!

Back row: William Gregory, Blake Bannan, Bruno Noonan and Taine Wilson. Middle row: Rio Irvan, Marco Irvan and Cameron Southgate. Front row: Miles Ellis and Myer Cuthbert

Coach: Tony Jones 10th Grade Prem - Thunder Where did your team name come from? Team name was founded by the boys who suggested a few names and the boys voted on their preferred name. Where do you hope to finish this year? The goal is to be in the top 2 this year. What shape do you normally play? We normally play 2 - 3 - 1 to keep things structurally simple for the boys but we do try alter- nate shapes based on the opposition we play Who will be your toughest opposition this year? I have to say Western Springs Renegades as the local derbys are always tough then it would be 3 Kings, Western Springs and Fencibles Back row: Rio Smith, Tom Stephenson, Cooper Malofie-Law, Callum Jones. Middle row: Luka Aitken, James White, Tadgh Collie. Front row: Rayan Tayeb, George Beca, Matthew Cunnington

Coach: Paul Thomas 11th Grade Prem A - Firebolts Where did your team name come from? The players came up with the name Firebolts a few seasons ago, Al Best designed us a great logo and we now have a reputation (hav- ing won last years Nationals) to live up to within football community! Where do you hope to finish this year? The Firebolts ambition is for continued development throughout the season as both individuals and a team. We enjoy playing the game as mates but equally have a determination to win our league. What shape do you normally play? We adapt our formation and approach to each game to achieve the desired outcome depend- ing on the opposition we are playing on any given day. Who will be your toughest opposition this year? If previous seasons are a gauge then Eastern Suburbs & Three Kings will be tough opponents. Top: Paul Thomas (Coach), Oliver Gray, Sam Jacob, Solomon Tapu, Paddy Devlin, Thomas Britton, Leo Maisey Bottom: George Sinnema, Matt Thomas, Conor Tumulty, Asti Wallace, Freddie Lockhart 12 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz Coach: Matthew Parker 11th Grade Prem - Sonics Where did your team name come from? Because the boys ROCK and play faster than the speed of sound. Where do you hope to finish this year? To win our division and have a good time. What shape do you normally play? 3-3-2 or 3-4-1 Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Eastern Suburbs, TKU & WSAFC Firebolts

Back Row: Louie Danielson, Antonio Scotter, Ben Gardiner, Rowan Halliday, Max Rasmussen, Simeon Stoyanoff Front Row: Dylan Parker, Sebastian Smith, Matthew Thomson Absent: Hari Pathak Adlard, JJ Weston

Coach: Laurence Mackintosh 12th Grade Prem - Vespas Where did your team name come from? Wasp in Portuguese. Where do you hope to finish this year? Top of the first division. What shape do you normally play? 3-3-2 Who will be your toughest opposition this year? WSAFC top team / Cruzeiro

Back: Oscar Burke, Malachi Fa’alogo-Lilo, Ben Swarbrick, Harvey Goodall, Monty Davies, Eamon Foley, Jack Shiret, Joshua Stefan Front: Remy Fowler, Theo Mackintosh Absent: Lloyd Wilken, Callum Bielby Image by Louise Smith

Coach: Geoff Brogan 12th Grade Prem - Cruzeiro Where did your team name come from? Named after top Brazilian Club side in 2013 but also means the Southern Cross so that is another reason why the name fits. Where do you hope to finish this year? To win the league and win a tournament. What shape do you normally play? 3-1-3-1 Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Manurewa Lightning

Back: Dillon Houching, Claude Brandt, Bradley Thomas, Ethan Hope, Tiaki Maindonald, George Parsons, Max Plowman Front: Jack Duffy, Ryan Bolus, Ben Eldridge(Louie), Caleb McLeod Absent: Bradley Wilson www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 13 METRO & PREM TEAMS

Coach: Tony Bullen 13th Grade Metro - Los Merengues Where did your team name come from? Los Merengues is the nick name for Real Madrid Where do you hope to finish this year? We want to win the Metro League What shape do you normally play? That’s top secret Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Three Kings, Onehunga Sport and maybe Hibiscus Coast

Charlie Devlin, Charlie Hillebrandt, Oscar Browne, Ethan Gray, Michael Woodard, Sam Middleberg, Harry Chadwick, Millar Pennycook, Robbie Turner, Matt Wright, Vincent Best, Jaime Holmes-Young Absent: Max Allais, Tuyi Byamana, Otto Ingham

Coach: Al Best 15th Grade Metro - Lions Where did your team name come from? We had to change our name as yelling “Go Lampard!” sounds daft. Where do you hope to finish this year? We will always be aiming to win it but as this is our first year in Metro we’d be happy with a top 4 finish. What shape do you normally play? On defence we are 5-4-1, on attack we are 2-3-2-3. Who will be your toughest opposition this year? Any team that we face in Metro will be tough and we are going to be the underdogs, but we intend to surprise them all.

BACK ROW: Ben Thackery, Max Chambers (C), Zac Blackburn, Ben Walden, Isaac Hocking-Whitehead, Adam Finlayson, Oliver Miller, Ben Best FRONT ROW: Jacob Morrow, Jake Olliff, Zach Baldwin, Mike Elston, Pieter Brassey van der Haas, Brandon Day ABSENT: Reuben King

Coach: Chris Graham

16th Grade Metro

Where do you hope to finish this year? Top What shape do you normally play? Usually 4-2-3-1 Hopes for this season? Getting the players to believe they can win every game

Back: Ruan, Adam, Ryan, Carlos, Jake, Benji, Mark, Jason, Christian Front: Nick, Alex, Michael, Eamon, Oscar, Jonty

14 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz 14 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz 7TH HEAVEN!

The 2013 7th Grade Phoenix games, technique-focussed Most importantly though, they love enjoyed a great season last practices, lots of touches on the their football and are champing at year—certainly better than ball, and a high dose of fun, is really the bit for the 2014 8th Grade their namesakes! starting to pay off. You can visibly season to begin. see the improvements all the time The kids were itching to get into it Huge thanks to Michael Hope, and the smiles on their faces tell you after the season delay while the turf Geoff Brogan, Joanne Powell, they are enjoying themselves. was laid, but once they were ‘off the Joe Cavanagh (2013 7th Grade leash’ there was no stopping them The Phoenix was asked to represent Coordinator) and Ange Southgate on that beautiful new surface! They Western Springs at the Birkenhead (2014 8th Grade Coordinator) for don’t realise it yet but, they are lucky 7th and 8th grade tournament at all their efforts in junior football, enough to have the best facilities in the end of the year. The kids played and a big ‘high-five’ to all the other New Zealand to learn the some great football and while they mums and dads, uncles and aunts beautiful game. didn’t qualify for the finals, they did and grandparents who get out there the club proud against 7th Grade every week to coach, manage, or Most of the team has been together representative teams from all over support their kids. Go Springs! for three years now, since 5th grade, Auckland. Several of our team and they really enjoy their football. looked as good, if not better, than The excellent NZFA ‘Whole of any others on show that day. Football’ model, with small-sided Scott McKee

Image by Graeme McInnes

www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 15 90 YEARS OF HISTORY

FROM COMRADES TO THE SWANS

COMRADES 1923/1924–1952 Auckland Junior Football old enough to form the club’s first The Comrades Club was founded in Association, North City Junior senior team, Comrades boasted 17 1923, and affiliated to the Auckland Football Association, and the Eden junior teams and by 1937 was in 1924 with Roskill District Club. Garth largest soccer club in NZ as well three teams only based at Victo- played hockey in his early years and as being the biggest, the club was ria Park. Not surprisingly, the club never played a game of soccer also the most successful and won had a strong trade union element, the Falcon Cup for the Auckland It was initially left to another Life with its founder Lou Ross being club with the most championship Member, Jack Church, who began the treasurer of the Painters Union points for 10 years running. Also in his playing days in rugby, to boost and the connection to the name 1940 the club reached the peak of the club’s membership who used Comrade was obvious. The first its success when the Senior First un-subtle but effective tactics to club meeting was held in the Trades Division team, comprised entirely of recruit new members. Whenever he Hall in Hobson Street, Central City New Zealanders, won the Auckland saw a group of three or four boys and thereafter at the Leys Institute Senior championship—the biggest playing in Victoria Park he would in St Marys Road Ponsonby. Also success the various emerging clubs throw them a soccer ball. After they involved as patron was Michael have ever had over the following had kicked it around for a while he Savage with vice patron John A Lee years up to 2013. would then approach them and and a committee that had several ask if they would like to join a soc- Highest Grade-Mens —1st Division members who were to cer club. The result was that from AFA 1933-1952 become MP ‘s. the three teams at the start, Jack Principal Honours Comrades Life member Garth Church turned this into six teams Mens 1st Division AFA winners Carsley Ballantyne (deceased 26 by the end of 1924. He regularly 1940, 1941 and Juniors-Ritchie December 1983) was president of watched his favourite Grey Lynn 5th Cup Winners 1937, 1938 and the club and associated Grey Lynn Grade team which included Warren 1946–1948 merging clubs for 60 years from Fleet (who later went on to repre- 1924 to 1983 and he was also a sent NZ 14 times) and coached by GREY LYNN COMRADES Life Member (and past president) of his father Kenny Fleet (who repre- 1952–1954 the NZ Junior Football Association, sented NZ six times). Jack Church During the 1940’s the state Auckland Football Association passed away on the 7th July 1977. housing boom developed and the Control Board (1924 to 1930), nature of the Freemans Bay area By the time the youngsters became changed considerably. Its tradi- tional working class membership started to move out to the Auck- land suburbs and the club soon found most of its members were living in Grey Lynn and Westmere. So in 1951 it decided to move, and as there was an existing club in Grey Lynn with just one senior team named Grey Lynn United, a recommendation of amalgamation was proposed and in 1952 the two clubs joined forces, and became the Grey Lynn-Comrades Club. This included Midget 11-a -side games (age group under 7 and 9 years) which were now being played at Grey Lynn Park. Inside the

16 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz running track of Western Suburbs year reign in the Second Division of Ramblers Softball Club who hired Athletic Club—duly represented the Auckland Football Association- the rundown Clubrooms in the by Olympic and Commonwealth Senior competition. summer period. Games representative Les Mills Highest Grade—1st Division However, during the 1986 to 1988 who was later to become the Mayor 1962–1963 winter season, the changing rooms of Auckland and who also played Principle Honours—2nd Division and small clubrooms were goalkeeper in a Comrades Junior AFA Winners 1954, 1961and 1967 usually packed with Celtic team during the winter months). supporters after training on Furthermore, junior (10th Grade– GREY LYNN CELTIC-1986–1988 Thursdays and the Saturday home U18 Grade) games were now being At the end of the 1985 season the games at Western Springs outer played at Western Springs Stadium Grey Lynn United Club was field and bar takings made up for on one only inner field with mud 3-4 struggling for membership with poor results on the field. Visiting inches deep, inside the speedway Midgets (two teams) and Juniors teams all commented on the track, and three outside grass (three teams) players and three hospitality received which was un- stadium fields which were also Senior teams only and overall finan- matched anywhere else in the poorly surfaced, with team meetings cial difficulties. Communication had 4th Division. and discussions being carried out in already been carried out with the the small changing rooms alongside local Celtic Club and after a period 1988 was the last season for the the outside fields. of time the NZ Celtic Grey Lynn Celtic Club with success Principle Honours Supporters Club in Auckland on the field being hard to come by 2nd Division AFA Winners 1954 agreed to the formation of a local and efforts to move from the very soccer team to participate in the spartan clubrooms and restricted GREY LYNN UNITED 1986 season under the name of playing fields were frustrated by lack 1955– 1985 Grey Lynn Celtic. of cooperation from the City Council Due to the association of part of the in that era who were more club name Comrades with “Com- The 1986 football season was a concerned with the inner munism” the Comrades name was disaster to say the least with stadium field. duly deleted and the Club was then numerous send offs and losing called the Grey Lynn United Club. games and the lack of attendance Numerous locations for new Since 1955 the Grey Lynn United by the previous Grey Lynn players clubrooms/grounds were looked Club continued to prosper although and supporters at social occasions at, and meetings took place on successes on the playing field had held at Great North Road the following grounds reviewed: been few in the post World War II clubrooms-opposite Motat–later Cox’s Bay options—close to the years. Possibly its most notable suc- referred to as The Caddy Shack as West End Tennis Courts or over the cess during this period was its 13 named by members of the back area. Grey Lynn Park—to use the inner field of the track and club rooms over to the side Seddon Fields—Meola Rd. In that era a prior rubbish dump and a large cattle field and rugby field (Zoo end). Six inches deep in mud and used by Western Springs College and later on a smaller playing field closer to Jaggers Bush used by Pt Chevalier for training purposes. Nixon Park In Kingsland – next to the North Western Motorway.

www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 17 90 YEARS OF HISTORY

FROM COMRADES TO THE SWANS

PT CHEVALIER CLUB—1949–1988 The Point Chevalier Club was affili- ated in 1949 into the Auckland Football Association. Founding members were Johnny Anderson who was an ex NZ Rugby League Kiwi who changed to playing senior football as well as being the President/Patron of the club into the early 1980’s. Harry Davies was also a founding member Other stalwarts of the club included Life Members Bob (Pop) Gargill, Margaret Oldfield, Ron Davies, G Lowe, Barry Lawler, Gary Wright and past Presidents Dave Arnold and Ken Westlake. Club members were also looking for a suitable clubroom location which played in the Senior division for the Pt. Chevalier being promoted back included, Walker Park and Seddon first time in 1952 until 1959. to Senior First Division which is now called the Premier Division. Grey Fields as their existing clubrooms Over the next few playing years both Lynn won promotion to the Premier (former church hall) at 70 Moa St. Pt Chevalier and Grey Lynn United Division in 1962 however they were Pt Chev. was too far away from their fought to stay in the Senior Division disciplined in 1963 for players home ground at Walker Park. until up to 1957 with demotion for walking off the field and demoted to Grey Lynn United and both clubs Their playing history was as follows: the 1st Division and over the next don’t meet again until 1960 in the Pt Chevalier were promoted from few years up to 1988 are found Second Division with Pt Chevalier the 1951 Second A Division, declining in the lower divisions. coming 1st and Grey Lynn 3rd with winning 13 out of 14 games and Pt Chevalier Senior Mens had also

18 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz slipped back however, they were always one division higher than the Grey Lynn Mens senior team. Highest Grade Mens 1st Division AFA 1953–1959 and 1961–1962 Principal Honours Mens 2nd Division AFA 1960 3rd Division Northen League Winners 1978 and 1987 Darcy Cup Winners 1951and 1961. WESTERN SPRINGS ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB 1989–2014 Grey Lynn Celtic and Pt. Chevalier Association Football Clubs agree to amalgamation with their inaugural General Meeting of the WSAFC Inc. held on the 8th February 1989. The season commenced with the Club fielding eight Men’s, one Women’s, 10 Junior and six Midget teams with membership of approx 375. Current numbers for the 2014 season includes approx 33 Men’s and Women’s teams and approx 1400 Youth and Juniors—boys & girls Highest Grade Mens 1st Division AFA 1989 Ladies Soccer 2 1st Division Womens League 2007 Principal Honours Men’s 2nd Division Winners 1994, 1998 and 2013 and 2003 Bluebird NZ —Last 16 Finals verses Melville United AFC—Lost Ladies AFA Division 2 Champions 2003. Colin Gallagher

Life Members: Steve Lowe, Des Cox, Thelma Teesdale, Keith Maddison, Gary Gallagher, Colin Gallagher, Steve Wildsmith, and Derek Jones

www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 19 Image by Phototek.co.nz

Image by Phototek.co.nz

The 2014 event, was held at Seddon Fields and Feedback from participating clubs in 2013, found the Western Springs College last weekend, 21–23 March. Tournament’s timing just before the winter season It featured 24 men’s teams, and 16 women’s teams allowed them to bring their talent together early, and from Auckland to . Youth Football development offered strong competition in preparation for the Trust chair Greg Fahey was delighted with how the season start. tournament progressed. Participants appreciated the emphasis placed on “The standard of football this weekend was superb we creating an unforgettable experience for all those are delighted a team from the South Island won the involved, many commenting it was the best-run women’s championship. tournament they had competed in. “We have been pleased with how well the tournament The shift to Seddon Fields this year offers a top has been supported and can’t wait to host these clubs quality playing surface, longer playing hours each day, here next year,” Fahey says. and an ideal set-up for a more intensive draw. Thanks to The event has also attracted interest from some an arrangement with WSAFC, the event will be held at overseas clubs, particularly within Oceania, but a priority the venue for the next three years. for 2014 was to consolidate a successful formula, and Words by Gordon Glen Watson strengthen the New Zealand competition further.

Results

Auckland City FC U-17 Men’s Youth Tournament Final Auckland City FC U-17 Youth Tournament Ellerslie 2 (Myer CRANE, Ermal FUSHUA) - Three Individual Awards: Kings Utd 0 Men’s: Auckland City FC U-17 Women’s Youth Tournament Keryn Jordan Men’s Golden Boot: Jake PORTER Final (, 6 goals) 1 (Shontelle SMITH) - Lynn Avon 0 Men’s MVP: Auckland City FC U-17 Youth Tournament Jake PORTER (Onehunga Sports) Team Awards: Dairy Products NZ Men’s Plate: Napier City Rovers Arthur Egan U-17 Men’s Championship: Ellerslie AFC BNZ Partners Men’s Bowl: Birkenhead United U-17 Men’s Championship Runners Up Medal: Three Kings Utd Women’s: Ivy Vela U-17 Women’s Championship: Dunedin Technical Marinovich Family Women’s Golden Boot: Leah GUBB (, 5 goals) U-17 Women’s Championship Runners Up Medal: Lynn Avon Roy Cox Memorial Women’s MVP: Sophia DYER (Western Springs) White Gold Women’s Plate: Claudelands Rovers Nutreet Equine Women’s Bowl: Western Springs AFC

20 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz White Stripes Win Bling Auckland City U17 National Tournament was held at our very own Seddon Fields over the weekend. There were 16 teams from all over the country in the Women’s table and 32 teams in the Mens. It was a festival of the finest football. Western Springs White Stripes U17’s were well prepared and aiming for a top eight finish after under performing in last year’s tournament. They started extremely well with a clinical 6-0 demolition of Eastern Suburbs on the number 1 in front of a packed balcony. But then faltered in game two against with a 2-0 loss on But tournaments have a strange way of decide the fate of this hard fought final. the comparatively ropey fields at Western twisting fate and the other finalists, With three of his top penalty takers on the Springs College. had cheekily beaten the White bench the coach, Geoff Brogan had to Stripes 1-0 at last year’s Taupo A dodgey linesman’s call didn’t help the enlist the services of some girls with very tournament. So the irony of this final was Stripes cause but hey that’s tournaments little experience from the spot. not lost on the coach. for you. Game three against Forrest Hill At two penalties each with Springs to and they could have still finished top of Despite a strong start the valiant but injury take their 5th penalty it came down to their pool with a win but luck was not on affected Green and White Hoops found Correze Schwarz to put the nail into the their side. With the score at 0-0 and 5 themselves 2-0 down after only a mere Upper Hutt coffin and she did this with minutes to go a long ranger floated over 15 minutes. The first goal coming from a style putting the ball in top right to beat the keepers hands and the White Stripe’s dubious free kick call which was skilfully the keeper. hopes for the Cup were dashed and they taken and sailed into the top right corner were now looking at fighting it out for to beat GK Perosi Mulinuu. It was a game with everything, drama, the Bowl. emotion, courage and some beautiful But the girls battled on and began to find football as well. A quarter final match vs East Coast Bays- some cracks in the Hutt defense. A goal saw them back to their goal scoring ways for Ella N before halftime gave a much A gutsy effort from the White Stripes that with a 2-0 victory which included some needed lift and a determined and com- did the club proud and earned them some slick finishing from Zoe Brown and mitted Springs team took the field for the silverware for the cabinet. Well done girls! Sophia Dyer. second half. Sophia also earned herself the MVP of The semi final against Stop Out was Emma Fletcher, fresh off the bench, put the tournament. never in doubt with both Zoe and Sophia all kinds of pressure on her opposite and snatching a brace of goals each and Ella was rewarded with a sneaky goal to bring Neighbours deciding to join the party the score level. with a pair of goals of her own. 6-0 the After 10 minutes of extra time the two final score and Springs were seemingly teams were consigned to penalties to finding it comfortable.

Images by JLSPhotographs.com

Image by Phototek.co.nz www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 21 WSAFC MAJOR SPONSORS

PBT (Peter Baker Transport) is proud to be sponsoring the Western Springs AFC for a 4th consecutive season.

PBT, a proud Kiwi owned company, operate with over 40 years experience in the freight industry. PBT can move anything from an envelope, to a container anywhere in New Zealand.

The dynamic team at PBT work to ensure that all their customers receive a consistent world-class service with the goal being to Deliver In Full On Time Undamaged (DIFOTU).

In addition to the WSAFC sponsorship, PBT offers a special deal to the club. All new business that is brought on through a WSAFC affiliation will result in a percentage of that sale being donated back into the club.

If you are looking for a trusted freight solution, contact Scott Sheppard today - [email protected]

We are very pleased to announce that Bayleys Real Estate Ltd are back on board as a Major Sponsor for the club for the 2014 season. Their generous contribution to the club is reflected in branding and signage for the Men and Ladies First Team. Bayleys are pleased to be able to offer all WSAFC members an opportunity to support their local club by way of a $1,500 donation for every property which is listed exclusively and sold by Bayleys Real Estate Ltd. If you’re thinking that this might be the time to sell, let’s make a time to discuss the possibilities. Call Bernadette Morrison on 021345520.

22 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz 2014 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

2013 Executive Committee

Martin Bell—[email protected] President Grant Russell—[email protected] Treasurer Joanne Powell—[email protected] Secretary Peter Andrew, Mark Evans, Michael Hope, Zoran Jerkovic, Steve Lowe, Paul Rutland 2013 Senior Committee

Mark Evans—[email protected] Senior Chairman 027 454 7242 Mario Campbell—[email protected] 0275 744 644 Zoran Jerkovic—[email protected] 027 577 3715 Barry Noyer—[email protected] 021 615 881 Tony Bullen—[email protected] Club Captain 021 384 868 2013 Junior/Youth Committee

Michael Hope [email protected] Junior/Youth Chairman Grant Russell [email protected] Treasurer and 8th Grade Coordinator Joanne Powell [email protected] Registrar & Junior Controller 5th-8th grade Guy Chadwick [email protected] Secretary & 13th Grade Coordinator Al Best [email protected] Jason Laing, Kate Beddoe, Paul Thomas

Football Development Officer

Geoff Brogan—[email protected] 021 400 480

Club Manager Paul Rutland [email protected] 027 294 7984

www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 23 PLAYERS SCORE FOOTBALLCOACH SUPPORTERS WIN STRIKERCLUB www.wsafc.org.nz www.wsafc.org.nz PITCH BALL GAMEGOAL TEAMSTADIUM DEFENDERREF TURFCAPTAIN