By Kirstie Fitzgerald
As the old saying goes, you never truly appreciate what you have until it’s gone.
While the football season is a hectic time for many club officials, players and volunteers, it is the hard work and effort which goes into making a football club which is what many of us will hold onto, years after we hang up the boots.
One group who continues to hold onto their football days is the reunion committee of the Footscray and Yarraville Socials Football Club.
Originating from the small housing community of Seddon when the Footscray and Yarraville Social and Education Club was formed in 1933, the football club’s relationship with the FDFL/WRFL began in 1945 where they became a dominant figure within the league.
A mere five years since its formation, the F&Y Socials became a powerful unit during the late 1950s and early 60s, winning three consecutive premierships (1959-61) as well producing 31 champion players and umpires, many of who went on to be state and Australian representative players.
Since going into recess in 1975, former players Barry Bennett, Max Linehan and its committee have been working hard to ensure that the memory of the club and its members continues to live on.
“Four decades on, members still have that strong will to continue relationships forged in the past,” Bennett said.
“While it’s not always easy getting in touch with many of the players from that era, we have over 50 past players and officials come down every year for our annual reunion which is fantastic.”
This year’s function will once again be held at Barkers Café located at Whitten Oval on Friday July 31.
Kicking off from 11:30am, guests will enjoy a supreme BBQ luncheon, with drinks at bar prices. Cost will be $30 per person.
“A lot of our members either no longer have a connection with the WRFL anymore or have moved away from the area, so this reunion is a chance for them to still know that their contribution to the sport has not been forgotten and is an opportunity for everyone to reconnect with people they haven’t seen in years,” Bennett said.
“While we enjoy catching up with the F&Y Social people, we are looking to extend our annual reunion to include other teams and identities who were part of history playing in the FDFL.”
If you or someone you know was associated with the F&Y Socials, please contact Barry Bennett on 0400-848-923 or Max Linehan on 0418-315-182 and RSVP your attendance before July 17.
Last Modified on 03/07/2015 14:20