It was a packed house when past and present supporters of the Kilsyth Football Club came together last week to celebrate the club’s centenary. The function was held at the Dorset Gardens Hotel, which was built in 1967 by former Kilsyth player Wally Elms, and marked 100 years since Kilsyth FC branched out on its own in 1925 at the old Colchester Road ground.
In welcoming guests, event organiser, Mike O’Meara, observed that while Kilsyth was not the oldest club in the outer east, it was amazing to think that an organisation that emerged from what was a little hamlet had not only survived but thrived to become such a strong community presence a century later.
Mr O’Meara said he was thrilled to see every era from the 1950s to the present represented on the night, embracing all segments of the club – men’s and women’s teams, juniors, netball, veterans, officials, life members, members and supporters.
1958 coach and highly decorated player, Lloyd Holyoak, and members of the legendary Baldwin and Collier families were among the many distinguished club identities attending. Other guests included Casey MP Aaron Violi, Croydon MP David Hodgett, Cr Len Cox, and former State Member for Kilsyth Dympna Beard.
The evening featured a video snapshot of the club’s history down through the decades, illustrating the theme that each generation in turn has stewardship responsibility to hand on the club in better condition than when they found it.
Among an impressive display of club memorabilia, the highlight was a brass bell donated by the family of a former coach, Jack Fisher. The bell had been used as a match siren prior to the introduction of a more modern device in the 1950s. It is believed to have been used to begin the club’s first home game played against Glen Waverley on Saturday 30 May 1925.
The function was not entirely about the past. The audience heard from coach Simon Caldwell on Kilsyth’s approach to developing a pathway for junior players to move into the men’s and women’s senior ranks. He pointed out that the Cougars have junior and senior teams playing in finals this year.
President Quentin Van Veen thanked those who have contributed to the life of the club on and off the field for many years. He emphasised the club’s commitment to providing a place where local children can learn to become part of their community through sport.
“We know that this is the recipe for the long term success of our club, and will see the Kilsyth Cougars remain part of this wonderful community for another 100 years,” he said.
Mr O’Meara, a past Kilsyth FC president, is writing a history of the club. Anyone with past club records, photos, memorabilia, and most of all stories, is invited to get in touch with him through the club.
