2 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz
CONTENTS PAGE
5 Chris Zoricich
8
6 Supporters shirt for purchase
10
Club Physio Blisters and football
Metro and Prem teams
15
16
7th Grade Phoenix report
History of the club
7 Holiday Coaching Programme
11 Metro and Prem teams
20 Auckland City U17 tournament review
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NEWSLETTER DEADLINE FOR MAY 2014 Copy: Wed 30th April 5pm Distribution: Tues 6th May
0276 009 562
Newsletter coordination and design by Mini Reis Š 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 3
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
ARE WE READY FOR KICK OFF? The WSAFC 2014 season is finally here! The fields and facilities look amazing and the main body of players will step onto the various home and away pitches around Auckland on the first weekend of April looking fantastic! The First Team’s season started on the 29th March and I hope everyone at the club takes the opportunity at some time during the season to support them at home or away. Remember, the Men’s team is back in the first division for the first time this century! I understand the
majority of home games have been scheduled for a 5pm kickoff on the Saturday, so the balcony atmosphere will be fantastic! The Women’s First Team have retained their league status and will benefit hugely from sideline support on the Sunday. The best of luck for the two teams who have been working hard in the preseason months. Be sure when you are down at the club to try our new upstairs menu. Running Wednesday through Saturday, Patrick Prendergast will be offering light training meal options Wednesdays and Thursdays, kids specials and adult nibbles
Fridays and a fuller menu Saturday nights. Fresh ingredients and wholesome food. A really big thanks to the committee members, coaches, coordinators, coaches and managers who do an awful lot of work at this time of year to get this club to game day. Now let’s get out there and have some fun! All the best for the season.
Martin Bell
ON THE JUNIOR/YOUTH SIDE OF THE CLUB Welcome to the second newsletter for the season, we are not far away from getting the season underway with kick off scheduled for the weekend of the 4th April for the AFF Competitions. In terms of our in-house and Junior programmes, these will start the same weekend. We have now had our coaches and managers meeting for the year and covered some of the requirements for the season. We plan to provide all coaches with greater opportunities for growth through a range of programmes offered through the season and there will be more to come on this throughout the year. 4 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz
Given the growing numbers within the club, it is a challenge to find training ground options and any requests for field availability through the week need to be channelled past Geoff Brogan, however, options are very limited. As an additional reminder, please take care of the fields and follow the simple rules of not climbing fences and wearing the right footwear, this will save a great deal of grief, plus wear and tear and it would be a shame to have you leave the fields for this reason. Hopefully your teams are in the process of being settled and the trainings beginning and with that, all the best for the season!
Michael Hope
Two Coerver Academy Programmes commence in Term 2 May 5th 2014 Coerver Development Unit: Monday nights: 3 x sessions at 3:40– 4:40pm, 4:45–5:45pm, 5:50–6:50pm. Coerver Advanced Skills Unit Tuesday Nights: Session 1 3:40–5:10, Session 2 5:15–6:45pm Register on the club website.
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 New Zealand, 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
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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 onfield 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 wearing 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
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
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XS
S
M
L
XL
XXL
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CLUB PHYSIO BLISTERS AND FOOTBALL Blisters are one of the most painful conditions for a footballer will continue to play on. They frequently return no matter how much tape, creams or patches you put on. The boots are a major cause for blisters. Boots provide minimal padding around the heel and because players like to feel the ball while playing they prefer to wear their boots tighter. Furthermore, the introduction of colourful synthetic uppers means the uppers don’t stretch as much as a leather boot. Combine this with the multidirectional movements and the fact an elite footballer will clock up on average 10km over a game, the feet and toes take a battering. Boot design is not going to change in the foreseeable future, so to prevent blisters we can only rely on correct boot fitting, choosing a leather upper or reducing shear between the skin and the boot interface.
ENGO frictionless patches applied to the boots. We have successfully put these into boots to stop friction The patches are microthin (0.38mm) so cannot be felt, and reduce up to 80% of the shear, and are guaranteed to last 500km before replacing. Sometimes this is all that is needed and can take away the need for tape or plasters. These are available exclusively from Bigfoot Podiatry http://www.bigfootpodiatry.co.nz/ Bigfoot-Store/ENGO-Blister-Care Callus (thick skin) around the big toe joint needs to be removed by a podiatrist. These are common in players who play at a competitive level. Double socking—this can work provided the socks are micro thin. We have found the wigwam triathlete socks are the best but will not work for everyone.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A BLISTER OCCURS Intact Blisters Painful blisters need to be drained with a heated needle. Pierce the blister three times in different area to allow the fluid to drain. Multiple piercings are needed because the hole frequently covers over and fluid redevelops . Always attempt to keep the blister roof on. This prevents infection and acts as a graft while the new skin forms underneath. Dress with a low adherent dressing to prevent an infection. Torn Blister Leave the blister roof in place and dress with a low adherent dressing. The blister roof will act to prevent infection and as a graft to allow the skin to form underneath.
Note: A podiatry review is required when these fail. In certain cases an insole maybe required.
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 consider 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 and is cheap and easy to apply. 8 April 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz
Fixumol applied to the blister site first
Strapping tape placed over the fixumol
Deroofed Blister
Blood Blisters
Blister Kit
This is where the blister roof has come off and you are left with a red raw sore.
A healthy respect for blood blisters is needed. Blood indicates the deeper layers have been damaged and there is a greater risk for infection. Most blood blisters will be painful and require treatment. Here is the best management for these:
Simple blister pack should include:
• Lance/pierce the blister and drain the fluid. If the skin is too thick to pierce, a podiatrist is required. Always use sterile equipment for a blood blister
Second skin products e.g. compeed
• Dress the area with a low adherent dressing
Gloves
Second skin patches e.g. compeed are best in these situations. It will aid healing and prevent the patch from sticking to the blister bed. It will get gooey as the blister weeps but rest assured this provides a good environment for healing. The patch can be stopped when there is minimal tenderness to touch and the red inflamed region turns pink. You can then use the prevention strategies outlined above.
Sterile dressing’s e.g cutiplast, primapore, telpha Fixumol tape Sports strapping tape e.g leucoplast
Scissors Antibacterial solution.g. betadine Advanced Blister Pack
NOTE: When pain and increasing redness forms around the blister, infection has developed and oral antibiotics from your general practitioner are required.
All of the above plus: Orthopaedic felt Scalpel blades e.g D15 blade ENGO blister patches
This information was provided by Justin Chong from Bigfoot podiatry. He can be contacted for more information on 09 481 0680
OPEN TO
THE PUBLIC
Available from Bigfoot Podiatry
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
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METRO & PREM TEAMS 17th Grade - White Stripes
Coach: Geoff Brogan
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
15th Grade - Europa
Coach: Mark Webster
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
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
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Coach: Dave Hood
9th Grade A Prem - Nero
Coach: Wayne Young
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
9th Grade B Prem - Blanco
Photo by Francine Cameron Photography
Coach: Paul Schirnack
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
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
Coach: Phil Dunn
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
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METRO & PREM TEAMS 10th Grade Prem - Renegades
Coach: Rory Cuthbert
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
10th Grade Prem - Thunder
Coach: Tony Jones
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 alternate 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
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 (having 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 depending 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
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Coach: Paul Thomas
11th Grade Prem - Sonics
Coach: Matthew Parker
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
12th Grade Prem - Vespas
Coach: Laurence Mackintosh
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
12th Grade Prem - Cruzeiro
Image by Louise Smith
Coach: Geoff Brogan
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
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METRO & PREM TEAMS 13th Grade Metro - Los Merengues
Coach: Tony Bullen
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
15th Grade Metro - Lions
Coach: Al Best
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
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7 HEAVEN! TH
The 2013 7th Grade Phoenix enjoyed a great season last year—certainly better than their Wellington namesakes! The kids were itching to get into it after the season delay while the turf was laid, but once they were ‘off the leash’ there was no stopping them on that beautiful new surface! They don’t realise it yet but, they are lucky enough to have the best facilities in New Zealand to learn the beautiful game. Most of the team has been together for three years now, since 5th grade, and they really enjoy their football. The excellent NZFA ‘Whole of Football’ model, with small-sided
games, technique-focussed practices, lots of touches on the ball, and a high dose of fun, is really starting to pay off. You can visibly see the improvements all the time and the smiles on their faces tell you they are enjoying themselves. The Phoenix was asked to represent Western Springs at the Birkenhead 7th and 8th grade tournament at the end of the year. The kids played some great football and while they didn’t qualify for the finals, they did the club proud against 7th Grade representative teams from all over Auckland. Several of our team looked as good, if not better, than any others on show that day.
Most importantly though, they love their football and are champing at the bit for the 2014 8th Grade season to begin. Huge thanks to Michael Hope, Geoff Brogan, Joanne Powell, Joe Cavanagh (2013 7th Grade Coordinator) and Ange Southgate (2014 8th Grade Coordinator) for all their efforts in junior football, and a big ‘high-five’ to all the other mums and dads, uncles and aunts and grandparents who get out there every week to coach, manage, or support their kids. Go Springs!
Scott McKee
Image by Graeme McInnes
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90 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM COMRADES TO THE SWANS COMRADES 1923/1924–1952 The Comrades Club was founded in 1923, and affiliated to the Auckland Football Association in 1924 with three teams only based at Victoria Park. Not surprisingly, the club had a strong trade union element, with its founder Lou Ross being the treasurer of the Painters Union and the connection to the name Comrade was obvious. The first club meeting was held in the Trades Hall in Hobson Street, Central City and thereafter at the Leys Institute in St Marys Road Ponsonby. Also involved as patron was Michael Savage with vice patron John A Lee and a committee that had several members who were to become MP ‘s. Comrades Life member Garth Carsley Ballantyne (deceased 26 December 1983) was president of the club and associated Grey Lynn merging clubs for 60 years from 1924 to 1983 and he was also a Life Member (and past president) of the NZ Junior Football Association, Auckland Football Association Control Board (1924 to 1930),
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Auckland Junior Football Association, North City Junior Football Association, and the Eden Roskill District Cricket Club. Garth played hockey in his early years and never played a game of soccer It was initially left to another Life Member, Jack Church, who began his playing days in rugby, to boost the club’s membership who used un-subtle but effective tactics to recruit new members. Whenever he saw a group of three or four boys playing in Victoria Park he would throw them a soccer ball. After they had kicked it around for a while he would then approach them and ask if they would like to join a soccer club. The result was that from the three teams at the start, Jack Church turned this into six teams by the end of 1924. He regularly watched his favourite Grey Lynn 5th Grade team which included Warren Fleet (who later went on to represent NZ 14 times) and coached by his father Kenny Fleet (who represented NZ six times). Jack Church passed away on the 7th July 1977. By the time the youngsters became
old enough to form the club’s first senior team, Comrades boasted 17 junior teams and by 1937 was the largest soccer club in NZ as well as being the biggest, the club was also the most successful and won the Falcon Cup for the Auckland club with the most championship points for 10 years running. Also in 1940 the club reached the peak of its success when the Senior First Division team, comprised entirely of New Zealanders, won the Auckland Senior championship—the biggest success the various emerging clubs have ever had over the following years up to 2013. Highest Grade-Mens —1st Division AFA 1933-1952 Principal Honours Mens 1st Division AFA winners 1940, 1941 and Juniors-Ritchie Cup Winners 1937, 1938 and 1946–1948 GREY LYNN COMRADES 1952–1954 During the 1940’s the state housing boom developed and the nature of the Freemans Bay area changed considerably. Its traditional working class membership started to move out to the Auckland 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
running track of Western Suburbs Athletic Club—duly represented by Olympic and Commonwealth Games representative Les Mills who was later to become the Mayor of Auckland and who also played goalkeeper in a Comrades Junior team during the winter months). Furthermore, junior (10th Grade– U18 Grade) games were now being played at Western Springs Stadium on one only inner field with mud 3-4 inches deep, inside the speedway track, and three outside grass stadium fields which were also poorly surfaced, with team meetings and discussions being carried out in the small changing rooms alongside the outside fields. Principle Honours 2nd Division AFA Winners 1954 GREY LYNN UNITED 1955– 1985 Due to the association of part of the club name Comrades with “Communism” the Comrades name was duly deleted and the Club was then called the Grey Lynn United Club. Since 1955 the Grey Lynn United Club continued to prosper although successes on the playing field had been few in the post World War II years. Possibly its most notable success during this period was its 13
year reign in the Second Division of the Auckland Football AssociationSenior competition.
Ramblers Softball Club who hired the rundown Clubrooms in the summer period.
Highest Grade—1st Division 1962–1963 Principle Honours—2nd Division AFA Winners 1954, 1961and 1967
However, during the 1986 to 1988 winter season, the changing rooms and small clubrooms were usually packed with Celtic supporters after training on Thursdays and the Saturday home games at Western Springs outer field and bar takings made up for poor results on the field. Visiting teams all commented on the hospitality received which was unmatched anywhere else in the 4th Division.
GREY LYNN CELTIC-1986–1988 At the end of the 1985 season the Grey Lynn United Club was struggling for membership with Midgets (two teams) and Juniors (three teams) players and three Senior teams only and overall financial difficulties. Communication had already been carried out with the local Celtic Club and after a period of time the NZ Celtic Supporters Club in Auckland agreed to the formation of a local soccer team to participate in the 1986 season under the name of Grey Lynn Celtic. The 1986 football season was a disaster to say the least with numerous send offs and losing games and the lack of attendance by the previous Grey Lynn players and supporters at social occasions held at Great North Road clubrooms-opposite Motat–later referred to as The Caddy Shack as named by members of the
1988 was the last season for the Grey Lynn Celtic Club with success on the field being hard to come by and efforts to move from the very spartan clubrooms and restricted playing fields were frustrated by lack of cooperation from the City Council in that era who were more concerned with the inner stadium field. Numerous locations for new clubrooms/grounds were looked at, and meetings took place on the following grounds reviewed: Cox’s Bay options—close to the West End Tennis Courts or over 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 Rugby league for training purposes. Nixon Park In Kingsland – next to the North Western Motorway.
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90 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM COMRADES TO THE SWANS PT CHEVALIER ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB—1949–1988 The Point Chevalier Club was affiliated 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 included, Walker Park and Seddon Fields as their existing clubrooms (former church hall) at 70 Moa St. Pt Chev. was too far away from their home ground at Walker Park. Their playing history was as follows: Pt Chevalier were promoted from the 1951 Second A Division, winning 13 out of 14 games and
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played in the Senior division for the first time in 1952 until 1959. Over the next few playing years both Pt Chevalier and Grey Lynn United fought to stay in the Senior Division until up to 1957 with demotion for Grey Lynn United and both clubs don’t meet again until 1960 in the Second Division with Pt Chevalier coming 1st and Grey Lynn 3rd with
Pt. Chevalier being promoted back to Senior First Division which is now called the Premier Division. Grey Lynn won promotion to the Premier Division in 1962 however they were disciplined in 1963 for players walking off the field and demoted to the 1st Division and over the next few years up to 1988 are found declining in the lower divisions. Pt Chevalier Senior Mens had also
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 Chatham Cup—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 Western Springs College last weekend, 21–23 March. It featured 24 men’s teams, and 16 women’s teams from Auckland to Dunedin. Youth Football development Trust chair Greg Fahey was delighted with how the tournament progressed. “The standard of football this weekend was superb we are delighted a team from the South Island won the women’s championship. “We have been pleased with how well the tournament has been supported and can’t wait to host these clubs here next year,” Fahey says. The event has also attracted interest from some overseas clubs, particularly within Oceania, but a priority for 2014 was to consolidate a successful formula, and strengthen the New Zealand competition further.
Feedback from participating clubs in 2013, found the Tournament’s timing just before the winter season allowed them to bring their talent together early, and offered strong competition in preparation for the season start. Participants appreciated the emphasis placed on creating an unforgettable experience for all those involved, many commenting it was the best-run tournament they had competed in. The shift to Seddon Fields this year offers a top quality playing surface, longer playing hours each day, and an ideal set-up for a more intensive draw. Thanks to an arrangement with WSAFC, the event will be held at the venue for the next three years. Words by Gordon Glen Watson
Results Auckland City FC U-17 Men’s Youth Tournament Final Ellerslie 2 (Myer CRANE, Ermal FUSHUA) - Three Kings Utd 0
Auckland City FC U-17 Youth Tournament Individual Awards:
Auckland City FC U-17 Women’s Youth Tournament Final Dunedin Technical 1 (Shontelle SMITH) - Lynn Avon 0
Keryn Jordan Men’s Golden Boot: Jake PORTER (Onehunga Sports, 6 goals)
Auckland City FC U-17 Youth Tournament Team Awards: Arthur Egan U-17 Men’s Championship: Ellerslie AFC
Dairy Products NZ Men’s Plate: Napier City Rovers
U-17 Men’s Championship Runners Up Medal: Three Kings Utd Ivy Vela U-17 Women’s Championship: Dunedin Technical U-17 Women’s Championship Runners Up Medal: Lynn Avon
Men’s:
Ivan Vicelich Men’s MVP: Jake PORTER (Onehunga Sports) BNZ Partners Men’s Bowl: Birkenhead United Women’s: Marinovich Family Women’s Golden Boot: Leah GUBB (Claudelands Rovers, 5 goals) 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 Cashmere Technical with a 2-0 loss on the comparatively ropey fields at Western Springs College. A dodgey linesman’s call didn’t help the Stripes cause but hey that’s tournaments for you. Game three against Forrest Hill and they could have still finished top of their pool with a win but luck was not on their side. With the score at 0-0 and 5 minutes to go a long ranger floated over the keepers hands and the White Stripe’s hopes for the Cup were dashed and they were now looking at fighting it out for the Bowl. A quarter final match vs East Coast Bayssaw them back to their goal scoring ways with a 2-0 victory which included some slick finishing from Zoe Brown and Sophia Dyer. The semi final against Stop Out was never in doubt with both Zoe and Sophia snatching a brace of goals each and Ella Neighbours deciding to join the party with a pair of goals of her own. 6-0 the final score and Springs were seemingly finding it comfortable.
But tournaments have a strange way of twisting fate and the other finalists, Upper Hutt had cheekily beaten the White Stripes 1-0 at last year’s Taupo tournament. So the irony of this final was not lost on the coach. Despite a strong start the valiant but injury affected Green and White Hoops found themselves 2-0 down after only a mere 15 minutes. The first goal coming from a dubious free kick call which was skilfully taken and sailed into the top right corner to beat GK Perosi Mulinuu. But the girls battled on and began to find some cracks in the Hutt defense. A goal for Ella N before halftime gave a much needed lift and a determined and committed Springs team took the field for the second half. Emma Fletcher, fresh off the bench, put all kinds of pressure on her opposite and was rewarded with a sneaky goal to bring the score level.
decide the fate of this hard fought final. With three of his top penalty takers on the bench the coach, Geoff Brogan had to enlist the services of some girls with very little experience from the spot. At two penalties each with Springs to take their 5th penalty it came down to Correze Schwarz to put the nail into the Upper Hutt coffin and she did this with style putting the ball in top right to beat the keeper. It was a game with everything, drama, emotion, courage and some beautiful football as well. A gutsy effort from the White Stripes that did the club proud and earned them some silverware for the cabinet. Well done girls! Sophia also earned herself the MVP of the tournament.
After 10 minutes of extra time the two teams were consigned to penalties to
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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 - ScottS@pbt.co.nz
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—martin@roseandheather.co.nz President Grant Russell—grant@harmonyhomes.co.nz Treasurer Joanne Powell—joannepowell@vodafone.co.nz Secretary Peter Andrew, Mark Evans, Michael Hope, Zoran Jerkovic, Steve Lowe, Paul Rutland
2013 Senior Committee Mark Evans—Mark.Evans@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Senior Chairman 027 454 7242 Mario Campbell—info@greylynnglass.co.nz 0275 744 644 Zoran Jerkovic—zoran.jerkovic@bayleys.co.nz 027 577 3715 Barry Noyer—badbaz44@hotmail.com 021 615 881 Tony Bullen—tony@bullen.co.nz Club Captain 021 384 868
2013 Junior/Youth Committee Michael Hope michael.hope@hp.com Junior/Youth Chairman Grant Russell grant@harmonyhomes.co.nz Treasurer and 8th Grade Coordinator Joanne Powell joannepowell@vodafone.co.nz Registrar & Junior Controller 5th-8th grade Guy Chadwick guy.chadwick@lsi.co.nz Secretary & 13th Grade Coordinator Al Best al@modsquad.co.nz Jason Laing, Kate Beddoe, Paul Thomas
Football Development Officer Geoff Brogan—geoff@diverge.co.nz 021 400 480
Club Manager Paul Rutland clubmanager@wsafc.org.nz 027 294 7984 www.wsafc.org.nz April 2014 23
COACH SUPPORTERS
SCORE PLAYERS FOOTBALL
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STRIKER
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GAME GOAL BALL TEAM DEFENDER REF TURF
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