Our club has a very proud history dating back to the formation of the Ku-ring-gai and District Soccer Association in 1957 (known since 2012 as the Northern Suburbs Football Association).
We are one of six local district clubs that participated in an inaugural Under 12 competition at Bannockburn Oval. Then known as the North Turramurra Junior Soccer Club and from 1970 as North Turramurra Junior Sports Club which expanded to include our local Netball players.
The much loved Gala day - when the community game together to celebrate the end of the football season (photo 1978)
Prior to the dominant vertical black and white striped playing strip which has been worn since the 1970’s, our original club strip was a hand made black shirt with white V, white shorts and hooped socks (pictured below right).
North Turramurra Junior Soccer Club members (circa 1968)
North Turramurra Junior Soccer Club Under 7's (circa 1967)
North Turramurra Sports Club junior members (1976)
North Turramurra Sports Club junior members (circa 1981)
One of the most important events on the annual soccer calendar was the club Gala day which was when the community came together to celebrate the end of the season, the first being held at Bannockburn Oval in 1958. As well as teams playing against each other, there were novelty games such as mothers/sisters vs the boys (the boys were threatened with no dinner if they dared beat their female counterparts), as well as fathers vs sons and penalty taking competitions. At the end of the day there was a presentation of club trophies, but the most important presentation was the club pennants, where each player was given one.
A junior magpie collecting his well earned club pennant
Some treasured club pennants from the late 60s, early 70s
Junior football returned in 2013 (Under 6 Magpies)
By 1987 junior participation had ceased and the club continued to operate through the 1990’s and early 2000’s via the senior men’s competition only.
It wasn’t until 2013 that junior football was reignited through the efforts of then President Tom Ryan. Wearing our heritage black and white striped playing strip we entered a single junior team in Under 6 football. Within eight years the club fielded 25 junior teams, 10 senior teams (male and female) and has been one of the fastest growing clubs in the association.
Our home ground is named after Irishman Samuel King who was born in County Donegal. Samuel arrived in Sydney in 1853 with wife Annie and established several orchards along Bobbin Head Road in what was then known as ‘Irish Town’. Samuel was a noted church and community supporter. In 1980, North Turramurra Park was renamed to Samuel King Oval in recognition of Samuel’s local pioneering achievements.
A notable feature was a 'tin shed' at the Bobbin Head Road end of the ground next to the current driveway entrance. It served many purposes including a dressing room, storage shed, canteen and committee meeting place before it was replaced in the early 1970s.
Players emerging from the original tin shed in the late 70s
Samuel King Oval entrance with players in our current strip.
We very proud of our heritage and acknowledge the many players and volunteers that have been the life blood of our club since establishment in 1957.
We recognize the Cavender, Lethorn, Onsyko, Rebertson, Dent, Law, Harwood, Glenister, Newell, Whitehouse, Redfearn and Soupidis families who have all been instrumental in the operation of our club.
The Cavender’s had family members involved either as a player, coach, manager or administrator from the 1960's through to the 1980's. Notably, Mrs Cavender managed tuck shop staffing, purchased goods, raised vital funds selling drinks on the sidelines and along with many other local mums hand made and washed players' shirts.
Our club celebrated 65 years of community football in 2022! We always love hearing from past members who have lived the history of our great club. Whether it be sharing stories, photos, memorabilia or attending one of our social events get in touch with us via email to admin@ntfc.com.au.