TWEED DISTRICT Soccer Football Association (TDSFA) is celebrating its 60-year reunion on Saturday, October 12, at the Murwillumbah Golf Club from 6pm.
The event will allow past and present members to reflect on a rich history of Tweed soccer, including acknowledging famous local players and the local women who helped create a thriving soccer community.
The Weekly caught up with several current members including reunion organiser David Devine, who is keen to spread the word about the 60th reunion and ensure past players are involved.
The TDSFA formed in 1959 and this year marks 60 years since the Tweed’s first season.
The Tweed Shire has harboured some remarkable soccer talent over the years including player greats Norm ‘Chook’ Silley, Wayne Powell and John Bruggy to name just a few.
“Teams from the 1959 season were Tumbulgum Rangers, Spartans, Knights (both Murwillumbah teams), Mullumbimby and Twin Towns,” Mr Devine said.
“Only Tumbulgum Rangers have survived as a local club since.”
Mr Devine paid emphasis on the local women who worked tirelessly to ensure game days ran smoothly including running canteens, washing team shirts and in the early days making the team shirts, collecting monies, tending to scraped knees, cutting oranges and so much more.
“The reunion is not just about the players, it’s about everyone who has, and still does, contribute to the game over the past 60 years,” he said.
“Sadly many of the game’s founding people are no longer with us, but we will be remembering all those who devoted their time and lives to establish a very foreign game on the Tweed.
“There is a lot of history, and I’m happy to say much of that history will be on display at the reunion.
“Tracking down the thousands of people involved over the past 60 years just isn’t possible, so we are relying on word of mouth and local media as well as online.”
Bookings are strictly limited to 200, so members past and present are asked to please reserve their place early to avoid disappointment.
There is also a Facebook page, search “Tweed District Soccer Association 60 Year Reunion.”
Or you can phone Mr Devine on 0448 883 845 or Brian Breckenridge on 0413 081 974.
Bookings for the reunion, go to www.trybooking.com/BCBXC
The cost is $20 per person which includes finger food.
David and Brian would also love to hear from anyone who may have memorabilia dating back to pre-1980, including jerseys, films, videos and photos relating to TDSFA.
