History
The Sutherland Shire Football Association, in the form that we know it today, was established in 1952. First known as The Sutherland Shire Junior Soccer Football Association, the official bearers were President George Swattridge, Secretary Fred Hand, and Treasurer Allen Treddenick. The Association consisted of two clubs; Miranda Magpies and Kirrawee Kangaroos, with competition opportunities for boys aged 12, 14, and 16 years.
In 1955, the Association accepted a senior club to allow players over the age of 16 years to continue playing Football. The club was originally called the Sutherland Shire Casual’s Club, now well-known as the Sutherland Sharks FC – this move proved a huge success.
During the first few years of the association’s existence, all junior soccer was played on two fields at Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda. However, just prior to the 1957 season, by a slender majority, a resolution to decentralise soccer was adopted. This decision allowed more clubs to form in the Sutherland Shire and more fields to be used for competitions. The following year (1958), the Association reported that 6 clubs (Kirrawee, Magpies, Rangers, Como West Jannali, Crusaders and Gymea Baptists) were now affiliated, with 38 teams and 524 players. The Sutherland Shire Referees Association (April 1958), and the Sutherland Shire Soccer Ladies Auxiliary (March 1959) were also formed in this year.
As the Association reached its 10th Anniversary, the following reflection was made:
“Since its formation some ten years ago, the Junior Association has expanded and grown every season to its present strength of nearly 3,000 players, comprising 220 teams from 15 affiliated Clubs. The tremendous growth rate is showing no signs of slackening, and it gives every indication of a playing strength of probably 5,000 to 6,000 players within the next five years.“
“A very close and friendly understanding exists between the Junior Association and the Sutherland Shire Soccer Club, and this is in the best interests of the sport, because each is equally important to the other.“
In 1973, Harrie Dening became the President of the Association, acting until he passed in 2000. His role as President saw the commencement of Women’s Football in the Sutherland Shire in 1976, our younger generation of Grassroots Football in 1980, and our O35 Men’s Competition in 1987. He was a committed individual who gave his all to the sport he loved.
1986 Association Relocates to Bates Drive premises
2003 Bates Drive is renamed as Harrie Dening
2003 Women’s First and Reserve Grade Competition Moves from Sutherland Sharks to SSFA
2005 U12 Girls Competition Commences in SSFA
2006 O30 Women’s Competition Commences in SSFA
2007 The Official renaming to be Sutherland Shire Football Association
