Before the Balgownie Junior Football Club formed, the area already had a rich football history through its senior team, The Balgownie Rangers Football Club.
The senior team is one of the oldest running registered soccer clubs in Australia, having formed in 1883. It’s also produced famous soccer players like James “Judy” Masters, Tom Thompson, Dave Ward, Frank Smith, George Barlow and Matt Horsley. Masters was recognised as one of Australia's best players of his time.
But the junior club has its own rich history, having formed in the early 1950s. It was formed from a Balgownie Public School team playing in a school district competition in the late 1940s and into the early '50s. Today, it's a springboard for future stars.
We spoke with club president John Kampen, who shared why the junior club has become so popular…
What attracts people to the Balgownie Junior Football Club? What do they like about it?
We consider ourselves to be a family orientated club and welcome all players. Balgownie has been long associated with being a successful and large club and I think this is what appeals to families.
What are some of the success stories from the junior club, whether progressing into senior teams or other opportunities?
In recent years some of our teams have been quite successful in the NSW State cup - a competition which all clubs in NSW can participate in. Even though we have not had a state cup for several years, our U12 side from last year progressed to the quarter finals stage before the pandemic stopped the competition. We were quite confident they would have gone all the way.
The relationship between the senior club and the junior club is now strong, with us always promoting to the junior players that there is a pathway to playing senior football with the Balgownie Rangers.
How has the junior club changed over the years?
In recent years the club has maintained a 500-600 strong playing roster. Previous to this it was around the 300 mark. The inclusion of girls-only competition has only bolstered this number and we welcome girls to our club.
The committee are always trying to ensure that the equipment and site facilities are at the best we can offer.
Today, many sports clubs are looking for new club members and support staff to ensure they survive. How is the junior club positioned in that regard?
Yes unfortunately all sports at the this level that relies upon volunteers always struggle with help. We are fortunate we have a dozen or so committee members to assist in running a club this large.
Having said that though we always welcome new people to want to help with open arms.
What are your plans for the future of the club?
We have a plan to build the level of coaching and player ability by engaging a third party to run a block training session with the facilitators focussing on coach development at a grass roots level.
This approach will take a few years before we will see the rewards. However, we are committed to continue this as it benefits all of the players in the club.
When does the next season start and how can people get involved? Is there an age range?
Next season will commence official competition in April. However, there is a lot of work going on in the background now to ensure we are ready for the season.
We meet fortnightly in the clubhouse and anybody is welcome to attend. We still have some roles that are not filled and if anyone would like to perform the roles it would be welcomed.
The age range is children from 4 to 18yr olds. Registrations are now open and all returning and new players are welcome. See our Facebook page for details.
You can learn more about the Balgownie Junior Club and how to get involved on its website. The clubhouse is located on Para Street in Balgownie and the home ground is Judy Masters Oval.
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