Kirrawee Kangaroo’s Soccer Club, on Princes Highway, Kirrawee. May 18, 1970. (Photo by Antony Matheus Linsen/Fairfax Media).

 

Kirrawee Kangaroos Football Club – Our History

The Early Years (1954–1957)

An exact record of the very first years of the Kirrawee Kangaroos Football Club is difficult to establish. Many early documents and correspondence from the club’s formative period were lost, and much of what we know today has been passed down verbally. This history is largely based on information shared with long-time club servant Les Slade during the late 1950s and is believed to be a faithful account of those early days.

Prior to 1954, soccer players from the Sutherland Shire competed in the St George District Association under the “Casuals” banner. As dissatisfaction with administration grew and the Shire’s population rapidly increased, it became clear that a local competition was both possible and necessary. A meeting to establish a new association within the Shire was organised by Fred Hand, Alec Slater and Allan Tredinnick, laying the groundwork for what would become community football in the area.

The inaugural competition featured just three clubs — Kirrawee, Miranda and Caringbah — entering teams in two age groups: Under 10 and Under 12. With so few teams, clubs often faced the same opponents week after week. The Under 10s included children aged six through to ten, with younger players quickly learning to hold their own or wait their turn. Referees volunteered their time, and players paid a match fee of just threepence.

Although teams competed under the Kirrawee name in these early years, it is unclear whether a formally organised club existed. During 1954 and 1955, two Kirrawee teams were run almost entirely by Fred and Nell Hand. In 1956, Harry Collett and Lionel Ford became involved, though the extent of their organisational roles is uncertain due to the lack of records.

The Formation of the Club (1957)

The first officially recorded meeting took place on Thursday 28 February 1957, at the home of Lionel Ford, 755 Kingsway, Gymea. The purpose of the meeting was “to form a club to organise teams of children to play in the soccer competition of the Sutherland Shire.”

Harry Collett and Lionel Ford addressed those present, outlining the need for a formal club structure. Interestingly, meeting minutes noted that the “club” already owned two sets of jerseys — one red and white, the other green and gold — suggesting that some form of club identity already existed.

At this meeting, the following acting officers were appointed:

  • Acting President: Harry Collett

  • Acting Secretary: Lionel Ford

  • Acting Assistant Secretary: D. Wilson

  • Acting Coach: P. Nicol

These officers were later confirmed in their roles during the season. Club colours were formally set as red and white, and all teams were to be known as the Kangaroos. Earlier team names such as Dragons, Colts, Koalas and Kookaburras were phased out as the club’s identity solidified. By the end of the 1957 season, Kirrawee fielded seven teams.

Growth, Community and the Ladies Auxiliary (1958–1959)

In 1958, a meeting was held at Les Slade’s home to establish a Ladies Auxiliary. The inaugural meeting on 18 March 1958 marked the beginning of an extraordinary group of volunteers whose fundraising efforts would shape the future of the club, particularly through their contribution to building the clubhouse.

From 20 May 1958, Les Slade’s home became the regular meeting place for the club — a tradition that continued for eight years. Many long-standing members fondly remember the annual end-of-season celebrations held in Les’ garage.

At the 1959 Annual General Meeting, Les Slade was elected President. However, with no nominations for Secretary, Les immediately resigned as President to allow the club to function properly. Ron O’Brian (later Shire President) was elected President, and Les became Secretary — a role he would hold longer than anyone in the club’s history. This brief presidency remains one of the shortest on record, but his service as Secretary became one of Kirrawee’s greatest legacies.

Finding a Home Ground

Like many growing clubs, Kirrawee faced ongoing challenges securing suitable playing fields. Early matches were played at Miranda Park on The Boulevarde, west of Wandella Road. In 1958, the club was granted a licence to use land behind Gymea Technical College. Volunteers cleared trees, blackberry bushes and old fowl pens to create a home ground, with significant assistance from Gordon Guilham, who provided earthmoving services at minimal cost.

Thanks to donated timber from Bests Timber Yard and galvanised iron from Brownbuilt, the club built a modest canteen and toilet facilities. While basic, they were a proud step forward.

As the club continued to grow, additional fields were established at Hotham Road and later Forest Road, again with Gordon Guilham’s support. When St Patrick’s Club was formed and lacked a home ground, Kirrawee voluntarily handed over Forest Road — a decision that caused short-term inconvenience but later helped secure a permanent home at Kareela.

The Clubhouse and a Permanent Home (1967–1971)

Through the efforts of Laurie Haynes, the club was offered a building originally located in Ultimo. Volunteers dismantled and stored it, hoping to rebuild at Hotham Road. Although Sutherland Council initially approved plans in 1967, the State Government Real Estate Office overturned the decision, and despite significant advocacy, the project stalled.

In November, Sutherland Council proposed relocating the clubhouse to a new site at Kareela, then used as a pole dump but earmarked for future playing fields. The club accepted with enthusiasm. New plans were drawn up by Laurie Haynes and Bill Dobbie, achieving a design that balanced ambition with affordability.

After delays securing approvals and a 20-year lease, construction finally commenced following Council approval on 14 May 1968. On 17 February 1971, the opening of the clubhouse made the front page of the Shire Pictorial. The building, now the upper level of the Kareela facility, was constructed for approximately $10,000, largely funded by the Ladies Auxiliary.

In recognition of their extraordinary contributions, Laurie Haynes and Les Slade were awarded Life Memberships of the Kirrawee Kangaroos Football Club.

Written originally by Les Slade

Recent History (1971–Today)

From those humble beginnings, the Kirrawee Kangaroos Football Club has grown into one of the most established and respected football clubs in the Sutherland Shire.

Over the decades, the club has expanded from a handful of junior teams into a vibrant community organisation supporting players across junior, youth and senior pathways. Kirrawee has consistently emphasised player development, sportsmanship and community involvement, with generations of families wearing the red and white.

The club’s home at Kareela Oval has continued to evolve, with improvements to facilities, amenities and playing surfaces ensuring a welcoming environment for players, officials and supporters alike. Volunteerism remains at the heart of the club, with countless hours contributed by parents, coaches, committee members and sponsors.

In recent years, Kirrawee Kangaroos has placed renewed focus on:

  • strengthening junior development pathways

  • supporting coach education and accreditation

  • fostering an inclusive, family-friendly club culture

  • investing in facilities and partnerships that ensure long-term sustainability

Today, the Kirrawee Kangaroos Football Club proudly carries forward the values established in the 1950s — community, resilience and passion for the game — while continuing to adapt and grow for future generations.