Past and present members are invited to the 60th Anniversary of Raymond Terrace Soccer Club on Saturday, August 5.
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Anyone with a connection to the club over the 60 years is welcome to attend the first-grade game against Wallsend at Bill Bobbins OAM Oval, King Park, Raymond Terrace, starting at 2.30pm, and then a dinner at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club from 6pm.
The soccer club was born in 1957 at the instigation of foundation and life member Bobbins, with the assistance of committee members Sid Davis, Jim Elliot, John Dundas and Joe Lloyd.
“The club had no money or equipment at the start and borrowed nets and balls from the local Courtaulds Factory soccer team to host a “Come and try” day against teams from Wallsend and Cardiff,” fellow life member Gary Charlton recalled.
Fifty-four boys responded to the call and the club fielded four teams – under 12, 14, 16 and 18 – in the 1958 competition, winning the under 12s, coached by another life member, Dundas.
The club shared Raymond Terrace Showground as their home ground, along with the local rugby league team and rodeos for a number of years before the club moved to Boomerang Park in 1962.
The club’s senior body was formed in 1970 and on-field achievements included minor and major premierships in 1982 and 1986, and a minor premiership and grand final appearance in 1989.
“We were promoted to Northern NSW State 2nd Division in 1990 and claimed minor/major premiership honours,” Gary said.
The Lions continue to push for promotion to NNSW 1st Division in order to give top players in Port Stephens the opportunity to show their wares in the federation’s top echelon.
“Last year the club won the Division 1 Interdistrict title for the second year running and gained promotion to Zone 2 in which we are currently running second, with the aim of Zone 1 next year,” Gary said.
Over the years Raymond Terrace has helped to establish clubs in Nelson Bay, Medowie and Seaham.
Former Socceroo Marshall Soper and Clayton Zane, and Matildas like Alison Forman, 2000 Olympian Bridgette Starr, and highly decorated international player Cheryl Salisbury have all called Raymond Terrace home at some stage through their illustrious careers.
Sadly, in the club’s 60th anniversary year, foundation member Bill Bobbins passed away this year.
He will be remembered and celebrated along with the club’s proud history at the 60th anniversary events being held on August 5.
Tickets for the dinner are limited and cost $35 per person. They can be purchased from the canteen on game days, by phoning 0417 723 767 or by emailing raymondterracesc@newcastlefootball.net.au.