Mitchelton Football Club est 1920, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Home of Mitchie Soccer

1916

Some of the pioneering families of the district played soccer but due to World War 1 the Club was not officially registered

1920

Mitchelton Soccer Club registered/founded by George Green, Bob Shaw and Jack Silver. Original Club meetings held at George Green's home in Blackwood Road

Members of the original 1920 team were Bill Bowers, George Green, Albert Green, Arthur Cresswell, Percy Green, Charlie White, Fred Kenward, Malcolm Campbell and Willie Laird. Some other names from those days were Ernie Barlow, Dave Campbell, Jack Edgar, Bill Gibson, Tom Laird, Jack Pollard, Jack Silver, Ernie Westance and Bill Warrell.

1930-2

The team then known as the Black Diamonds won the YMCA Inter-suburban Cup in 3 consecutive seasons

The 1930 team were Eric and Owen (Mucker) Gordon, Col Meade, Eric Birtwell, Frank Nugent, Bill Jones, Cec and Roy Reid, Bill Lincoln, Dave Fairweather, Bill Bowers, A Briggs, George Green (Coach) Andy Dixon (Manager) and Alf Green (Mascot). Other names from the 1930s are Gordon Morey, Syd Layton, Roy Charrington, Harry Collins, Frank and Jack Bowmen and Wally Kenward.

Games were played in Bell's Paddock, our original home ground (currently where West Mitchelton Junior Rugby League plays its home games) on Samford Road, which was an Army campsite during the First World War. The players from both sides used Frank Nugent's Picture Theatre (this is currently where Mitre 10 is housed and before that the Mitchelton Skating Rink) as their change rooms. The Picture Theatre had no roof so wet weather was a problem. When there was insufficient moonlight for training, the solitary 75 watt security light at the back of the Nugent's Picture Theatre provided the illumination for night training. The Black Diamonds also played some games in Bowman's Paddock, presently part of Brookside Shopping Centre. It was a cow paddock during the week so considerable back bending exercise was needed each weekend to transform it into a football field.

1933

Establishment of a Mitchelton Junior team

A meeting called by Fred Gray, his father and George Green was held on a footpath under a convenient street light. The outcome was a team of youngsters, known as Mitchelton Rovers, who wore white shirts with blue trim, being formed. The team played Junior Minor for Mitchie, graduated to Junior, were interrupted by World War II, reassembled in 1947 as Juniors and graduated to Senior (Third Division) in 1948.

1948

Seniors won Third Division Premiership, John Fern and McGregor Cups

The Mitchelton Soccer Club won the 1948 Premiership, the John Fern Cup and McGregor Cup. The 1948 team lost only one game, scored 90 goals and conceded only 14.

Three of the members of the 1930 Black Diamonds team, Tom Kenward, Col Meade and Cec Reid combined to form the 1948 team with Harry Gray, Bill Sharman, Vince Smart, Bob and Carson Laird (Vice Captain), Dick Martin, Arthur Crane, Eric Birtwell, Bill Bain, Tom Wood (Capt), Malcolm Campbell, Charlie Hensler, W Warrell, A Smart, and Clarrie Drake (Coach-Trainer).

1949

John Tree Memorial Cup first awarded

This annually awarded prestigious Trophy commemorates former club member, John Tree, an RAAF rear gunner, and a member of one of the district's early families, who was killed in World War 2 over Europe. The Cup was awarded for the Best and Fairest player in the Club for the season. The trophy continues to be awarded annually although its purpose has been altered to reward the player who most assists the Club in a non-playing capacity.

1949/53

Senior Teams played in the Second Division

1954/59

Senior Teams played in Third Division

1954

Juniors won Third Division Premiership and Round 1 Cup

Players in the 1954 team were: Fred Horne, T Vincent, P and J Connors, G McKenzie, S Waters (Coach/Manager), J Enever, M Collins, C Carnall, J McJannett, B Waters, D Green, G Laird and H Carnall.

1955

Juniors won Second Division Premiership

Players in the 1955 team were: V Timms, Fred Horne, B Waters, J McJannett, A Millar, D Green, H Carnall, T Ramsay, C Carnall, G Laird, P Connors, J Enever, M Collins, R Grimley, and G McKenzie. Coach/Manager - S Waters.

1959

Third Division Side won Third Division Premiership, Knockout and 2^nd Round Cups

Players in the undefeated 1959 team were William Cuddahy, Danny Van Delden, Alan Schafer, S Baumann, Alf Thompson, Fred Horne, Eric (Bill) Thompson, Des Miles, I Lawson, Malcolm Campbell, M Green, Jack Bostock, Tom Davies, Jim Martin, Alec Eden, K Starkey, C Carnell and B Berka.

1959

Vic Marshall Trophy commemorating the 1959 Premiership first awarded to player deemed to be the season's "Mr Football"

This Trophy was awarded to the player selected by the Committee as being the Club Footballer of the Year. "Mr Football" is still awarded annually although the players now vote on their Player of the Year.

1960

The Bee Gees perform at our Club's Annual Trophy Night

1962

Queensland Soccer Federation (QSF) established with 8 First Division Clubs breaking away from Queensland Soccer Football Association

1962

First ladies soccer game played in Brisbane

The Brisbane ladies competition was started as a result of teams from Mitchelton and Annerley being invited to play at a carnival day at Mitchelton on 18 May 1962. The official competition commenced in 1965 under the Brisbane Junior Soccer Association.

1963

Mitchelton plays in QSF First Division (below State League equivalent of 2nd Division)

The team finished second missing promotion to State League for 1964 by 1 point.

1971

Second Division side's promotion bid halted by draw in last fixture.

Consolation win in Grand Final.

The team needed to beat Oxley in last fixture to gain promotion to the First Division but was thwarted by a 1-1 draw. The team gained some consolation by winning the Grand Final beating Oxley 5-2.

1971

Junior Sub Committee formed

With increasing numbers of juniors the Mitchelton Soccer Football Club Committee decided to form a Junior Sub Committee. Previously juniors played for free, in 1971 a fee of $0.50 per player to be registered was charged.

1973

Growing Pains

The club continued to play on Bell's Paddock (Mitchelton Oval) but by the late 1960's, it was obvious that the ground could not accommodate the Club's growth and the field was not suitable for the playing of good football because of its slope from Samford Road towards the train line and the lower end of the rugby league field. The playing surface, despite regular top dressing by volunteers, remained too rough. It became somewhat a standing joke that topdressing of the soccer field would be washed on to the league field in heavy storms. The junior field between the main field and the train line at the back of the picture theatre was unable to sustain any decent growth of grass. Several reasons for this have been expressed but it seems certain that it was an environmental problem resulting from the Army being based there during World War 1.

Action had to be taken to identify a suitable new home ground and a Sub Committee was established under Ross Black to oversee the search. Another member of his committee was Duncan McDonald, a qualified surveyor, whose expertise in laying out the new fields was to prove invaluable.

1973

Ladies "A" Grade Team win Grand Final. Beat Annerley 2-1 at Perry Park

Annerley were beaten for the first time in 8 years. Goal scorers that day were Lesley Arkinstall and Lyn Addison. Some of the other members of the team that year were: Brenda Jones, Brenda Clegg, Maria Radenovic, Vera O'Donovan, Lyndall Smith (now Carter), Val Larson, Adelle Ham, Diane Retchless, Linda Holm, S Templeton and Pam Taylor. Coach was Kevin Jones. The Ladies repeated the result the following year again beating Annerley in the final.

1974

Field Layout at Teralba Park determined

The Sub Committee liaised with the Brisbane City Council which suggested the market gardens resumed at the bottom of Teralba Park and with a lot of work it could have been ready for 1976. Once the field layout was determined, construction could commence. This would take some time due to the availability of Council resources.

A building fund was setup and teams were requested to raise $100.00 each towards the new project. Other fundraisers to keep the Club going were the Miss Junior Soccer competition, Annual Fete, Brook Hotel Raffles and a stall at the RNA Exhibition.

1975

Mitchelton Sports Club formed

To meet Brisbane City Council requirements for obtaining a lease on Council land at Teralba Park, the club format was changed to include multi sports. Activities included were Senior and Junior Soccer, netball, rugby league, touch football, and cricket. Baseball and Tee ball were added later.

Foundation members of the Sports Club were: Terry & May Anderson, Frank & June Barrett, Kevin S Jones, Arthur & Merle Heiner, Glen & Dianne Stevens, Lois Clark, Graham & Gwen Barker, Alberto & Maria Bartilomo, Col & Ros Ivey, Warren & Shirley Beasley, Andy & Ada Thompson, and Edna Jones.

Sports Club Guarantors were: Terry & May Anderson, Ross Black, Phil Harris, Arthur & Merle Heiner, Kevin & Vicki Jones, Kevin S Jones, Des Miles, Andy & Ada Thompson.

The objects of the organisation were to provide and maintain playing fields and amenities at Teralba Park and promote, foster, support and encourage soccer and other approved sports.

The 1975 Committee was an eager and dedicated group keen to progress with the new grounds and club house at the new park. A parks sub committee and a finance sub committee were set up to manage future development for the Teralba Park complex.

1976

Ladies "B" Grade Team wins Grand Final

The Ladies "B" Grade team finished second in the Premiership to Newmarket but turned the tables on their local rivals winning the replay of the Grand Final 1-0. Shareena O'Keefe scored a last minute penalty to clinch the match. Members of the winning team were: Doris Haddock, Suzanne Grant, Cheryl Petersen, Shareena O'Keefe, Leonie YohYeh, Karen Motershead, Joan Van Kuijck, Helena Van Eldik, Judy Toohey, Karen Lynam, Elizabeth Thompson, Sandra Grant, and Vicky Dacey. The team also won Carnivals in Bundaberg and Southport and the President's Shield for best goal average.

1977

Teralba Park becomes a reality

The move to Teralba Park could not come soon enough as the number of teams fielded by the club doubled in the 3 year period from 1973 to 1976 to 3 senior, 2 ladies and 22 junior teams. Training continued at Mitchelton Oval with matches conducted at Teralba Park. Additional lighting provided for training in 1976 at Mitchelton Oval was transferred to the new field. The old market gardener's cottage was transformed by volunteers into canteen and change rooms. While the Brisbane City Council could not have been more helpful, regrettably, large quantities of the beautifully rich market garden soil were removed from the main field to be used to develop two more cricket fields at Marchant Park. Only a small layer of topsoil remained and this required the Club to undertake further remedial work to bring the ground up to it present high standard. Teralba Park provides one of the largest areas of playing fields in Brisbane and the Club can look forward to further growth in the future.

1977

Des Miles, Referee, formerly a member of the Club's 1959 premiership team and Senior Club President awarded highest FIFA referee's badge

1977

Amalgamation with First Division club Bardon Latrobe

Bardon-Latrobe was playing in the Brisbane First Division competition and Mitchelton in the Second Division. Due to falling membership and financial resources and the desire of the QSF to keep Bardon-Latrobe in the competition, it was proposed that Mitchelton would take over running that Club's First and Reserve teams as well as running its own teams. Bardon-Latrobe was to continue playing under that banner for the first season and then become absorbed into the Mitchelton Club. Some Mitchelton players played for the First Division team to try to avoid relegation but in the end the Club's overall objective of having a team in the First Division was not achieved with both Bardon-Latrobe and Mitchelton struggling. Effectively the amalgamation failed but Mitchelton did retain its Second Division status and did acquire the services of some of Bardon's players.

1977

Kerrie Heiner Memorial Trophy first awarded

The annual Kerrie Heiner Memorial Trophy was awarded to the highest fund raising team in the Club with individual trophies to team members. The Under 13-1 team was the inaugural winner.

1978

Building of new club house at Teralba Park commenced

The plans for the new club house were submitted to Council in 1977 and construction commenced in 1978.

Due to problems with the lease and construction of a bank protection wall to stop land erosion, building had to be halted. Eventually permission was granted to complete the toilet block and still carry on fixtures. Working bees conducted by club members at the new ground were well attended making the effort both work and social. Today's club house stands as a monument to the volunteers who devoted much time and effort in its construction.

To mark the move to Teralba Park, a march of players, coaches, and families was led by the then Club President, Rob Beck, from Samford Road to Teralba Park.

1978

Club Constitution provided for colours of green and white with yellow as a supplementary colour

The Club originally played in the Black Diamond's colours but when reformed, the green and white strip was chosen. The introduction of yellow into the club's colours permitted the change to the current green and yellow strip.

1979

Second Division team defeat Merton East 2-0 in Second Division Grand Final

One of the Club's most important results was in 1979 when we defeated Merton East 2-0 to win the Second Division Grand Final at Perry Park. The Final was watched by a huge crowd of Mitchie supporters who witnessed a stellar performance by the Mitchie team. Mitchelton was coached by Syd Tucker and the team lineup was as follows: Dave Mewburn, Ian Perry, John Coffey, Michael Hayes, Neil Orford, Ritchie Shortman, Peter McDonald, Greg McDonald, Garth Jones, Phil Cruse, Ross Denny, Barry Anderson, Graham Morey, and Dave Gallagher. The following season Merton East turned the tables on Mitchelton winning the Grand Final 3-1.

1980

Club Patron, Roy Harvey, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, opened our new Club house

When work stopped on the construction of the club house, vandalism became a problem and the Club sought the assistance of its Patron, Roy Harvey, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, to proceed with the building. Alderman Harvey gave permission for the work to resume and opened the new club house on its completion.

Fund raising for the new club house included seeking $100 donations from Foundation Members, the sale of Bricks and guarantees from Sports Club Guarantors for the Commonwealth Bank.

1980

Club Diamond Jubilee

Events commemorating the Diamond Jubilee were a Dinner Dance held at the new club house on 26 April 1980 and the Presentation Night at the Gaythorne RSL on 17 October 1980.

1981

Main playing field at Teralba Park named "Fred Gray Memorial Field"

On 8 June 1981 the main playing field at Teralba Park was named "Fred Gray Memorial Field" in honour of the late Life Member, Fred Gray, for his part in the establishment of the Club and for his many years of untiring service in making Mitchelton Club into what it had become.

The dedication was held in conjunction with the annual Under 9 Carnival and Fete. A highlight of the day was the arrival by helicopter of England and Everton striker, Bob Latchford accompanied by Jim Hermiston and Ron Smith.

With completion of the club house, the Committee could then concentrate on more lighting, fencing, and closing off the original entrance from Griffith Street and opening the road from Osborne Road.

1983

The bitumen road from Osborne Road to Clubhouse opened

On training nights dust from the dirt road from Osborne Road to the playing fields created a haze over Teralba Park as vehicles transporting players arrived and departed. The construction of the bitumen road was a priority for the Sports Club under the then President Barrie Adams. The cost of the road was $12,955 and was paid for by funds raised by dedicated club members.

1983

Soccer superstar, George Best, visits the club

1984

Additional Park Land Leased

Alderman Roy Harvey continued as Patron and approval was given by the Council for the lease of additional land. A Development Committee was formed to prepare plans for advancement of the club up to 1990.

1983-90

Club played in the Second Division

1990

Second Division team relegated from Second to Third Division

1991

Third Division side won Third Division Premiership and Grand Final

Our 3rd Division team won the Premiership and the Grand Final against Latrobe with the Reserve Grade team winning the Grand Final against Slacks Greek. Players who played in the top team that year were Glen Norton, Michael Black, Graham Edmonds, Paul Tanner, Mark and Paul Bland, Brett McDonald, Tony Mancini, Craig Mills, Paul Wrigley, Phil Millard, Darren Mair, Geoff Lincoln, Giovanni Tatti, Coach - Peter Hely.

1992

Second Division side relegated to Third Division

After a sensational 1991 the Second Division team struggled all year and was unfortunately relegated to the 3^rd Division for the following season.

1994

Mitchie enters a team in World Masters Games - known as the "MOB" Mitchelton Old Boys

1995

Amalgamation with Brisbane Sports Club proceeds

A consortium known as the Brisbane Sports Club, lead by Paul Novak offered to take over the running of the Mitchelton Sports Club and proposed a major upgrade of the Teralba Park facilities and football operations. Sports Club members voted to accept the proposal leading to Ex-Socceroos Greg Brown and Robbie Dunn playing for the Club and the acquisition of ex-international, Gary McDowall, as Club Coach for 1996. This change is seen as one of the highlights in Mitchelton Football Club's history.

1995

75^th Anniversary Dinner held at Parliament House

A huge turnout of former and current players and supporters takes place at Queensland Parliament House.

1996

Senior team finishes second in Third Division and return to Second Division for the 1997 season

Restructuring of the competition by the Queensland Soccer Federation saw the Club placed in the Semi-Pro Division One North competition (effectively Division Two) for the 1997 season

1997

Senior team wins Semi Pro Division 1 North Premiership and Championship

Members of the 1997 team were: Andrew Poyser, Daryl Heiner, James Hermiston, Simon Arnold, Craig Binnington, Anthony Sommerville, Effie Cassar, Paul Bland, William Ingleldew, Michael Black, Brett McDonald, Lee Scriggins, Darryl Grundy, Adam Pilat, Enzo Dagostino, Tommy York, Chris McAlary, Matt Tochterman, Keith Shaw, and Toni Bellino.

2000

Team of the Century announced

A Panel of former players and supporters sought nominations for our Team of the Century . The Panel comprised Vic Marshall, Des Miles, Keith Green, Geoff Lincoln, Kevin Jones and Mick Carter.

Players selected for membership of the Club's Team of the Century were:

Goalkeepers - Ted Reimers and Dave Gallagher

Defenders - Iain Fagan, Paul Bland, Allen Bain, Ian Perry

Midfielders - Barry Rowe, Peter MacDonald, Col Bain, Neil Orford

Strikers - Michael Black, Richie Smith, Greg Brown, Carson Laird, Tom Kenward

Coach - Gary McDowall

2000

Junior teams received B.N.& D. Junior Soccer Association "Outstanding Club of the Year" award

The award was made to the club in the B.N.&D Junior Soccer Association competition achieving the highest number of points in premiership competition.

2001

Grand Final Day - Second Division play in Grand Final

Another successful season with our team making the Grand Final. The match was played at Perry Park but unfortunately we lost 0-2 to North Star. Our strong supporter base always ensures that our teams are well supported.

2002

Push for Premier League Group established

To push for promotion to the Premier League, a volunteer group was established to develop a strategy to ensure the Club's competitiveness for promotion to the Premier League and its continuity in that competition.

2003

Senior team promoted to Premier League

Another significant moment in the Club's history was the First Division team winning a two legged play-off against Ipswich Knights (from the Premier League) to gain entry into the 2004 Premier League. Mitchelton had finished second to Eastern Suburbs after the completion of the home and away season. Mitchelton played the first play-off game at Teralba Park and won 3-0 courtesy of goals from Matt Hendra, Damian Pilat and Peter Josey. The return game at Ipswich was a 0-0 draw ensuring Mitchelton's victory in the play-off. The members of the team which won promotion to the top division for the Club after 83 years in lower divisions were: Rob Coulter, Adam Pilat, Dave O'Reilly, Erik Musiol, Peter Bancroft (coach), Matt Hendra, Jason Poggi, Jason Roberts, Peter Josey, Matthew Jones, Keith Shaw, Daniel Timms, Andrew Balzat, Andrew Poyser, Damian Pilat, Andrew Hendra, and Nick McCallum.

2004

Inaugural Club Stalwart Awards named

The club initiated awards for players serving the club for over 20 years and an honor board within the Clubhouse is erected. Players inducted were awarded a Stalwart Jacket. For further information see "Mitchie Memories" below.

2004

Premier League team finishes 4^th in Inaugural Season

In an amazing season the Mitchelton Football Club finished 4^th in its first tilt in Queensland's highest football competition. 4^th spot was clinched in the final game of the home and away season with a 1-0 home win over Queensland Lions. Mitchelton then faced Queensland Lions in the semi-finals going down to the eventual Grand Final winners. The Mitchelton Club was successful in gaining the respect of the Brisbane Football Community with their match day presentations and huge home crowds. There were an abundance of memories from this first season in the Premier League.

Here are just some of them:

• 2,000 people attend first home game against Palm Beach.

• Mitchelton sign two National team strikers from Vanuatu, Richard Iwai and Etienne Mermer to bolster our attacking ranks.

• Mitchelton defeat local rivals Brisbane City 4-1 at home amid jubilant scenes of home fans.

• Mitchelton come from 3-1 down at home with 20 minutes to play to defeat Rochedale Rovers 4-3. Substitute Jason Poggi scores all three goals with his head after coming on with 20 minutes to play.

• 2,000 people attend last home and away game versus Queensland Lions at Teralba Park and witness 1-0 win to Mitchie that secures 4^th place and a place in the Semi-Finals. This was the last time that Queensland Lions were defeated as they became Queensland Roar and entered the newly formed National A-League.

• Over 2,000 people visit Teralba Park seven days later to watch the semi-final first leg between Mitchelton and Queensland Lions which finishes 1-1. Queensland Lions win second leg to take their place in the Grand Final.

• Mitchelton's Nick Kuyper wins the Brisbane Men's Football Player of the Year Award. Stephen Comino ranks seventh in overall points for same Award.

• Greg Brown (Coach) and Nick Kuyper selected in Brisbane Mens Football team of the Year.

• 50 players and supporters visit Vanuatu for end of season trip.

2004

Premier League team visit to Vanuatu to play exhibition matches against TAFEA Football Club (Pt Vila Premier League)

50 players and supporters visited Vanuatu for an end of season trip combined with an exhibition game against the best Club side in Vanuatu, TAFEA United. 4,000 spectators paid to watch the game held in the National Stadium. Many of the fans had to walk long distances to get to the game and then perched themselves in trees surrounding the ground to watch the game. Mitchelton ran out winners 4-1. This visit has provided a "sister club" affiliation with the TAFEA Football Club which will provide opportunities for players in both countries and friendships for life.

2005

Mitchelton Sports Club wins Australian Sports Commission 2005 Ausport Award for excellence in club development

The purpose of the 2005 Award was to recognise and reward the achievements, success stories and best practices of individuals and groups within the Australian Sporting system. It recognised quality management practices in areas of leadership, planning, people and members. An independent panel comprised of representatives from the sports industry assessed nominations in each award category against key criteria to select the finalists.

The Australian Sports Commission's General Manager of Sport Performance and Development said that Mitchelton Sports Club represented a great example of an effective and well-managed sports organisation which was driven by the principle of continuous improvement. He said that Mitchelton Sports Club exemplified good management practices by effectively delivering a range of programs and initiatives to improve services to members.

The Club was commended for developing a strategic plan to improve its management practices, to be more competitive, and to grow its business which contributed towards its senior soccer being promoted to the Premier League. The Club was also commended for its initiatives to promote the Club's activities through its match program and fixtures to help raise the Club's profile. Club President, Rohan Cassell attended the presentation of the award.

2006

Mitchelton Sports Club organises 40 year, 30 year, 20 year & 10 year Player Reunion

In 2006 the club held a reunion for players who played with the club in 1960s, 1976, 1986 and 1996. The Club was unable to locate team lists from 1966 but a number of players from that era attended.

2007

Mitchelton Football Club fields a record 70 teams

The break down of teams for the 2007 season is: 4 senior, 4 Over 35, 58 junior, 4 ladies (2 senior and 2 Junior). Total registrations are about 700 players.