The main instigator for the formation of the club was the late Dave Pritchard along with Stuart Cousins and the late Charlie Woods. Other foundation members were John Sinclair, Bill Dunk, Alan Hooper and Adrian walker. At the inaugural meeting at Alan Hooper’s place it was suggested the new Club should have an Australian name, as opposed to a traditional names such as United, City or the like.

A sign-on meeting towards the end of 1967 was held at Dave Pritchard’s Place, where players signed on. The first player signature was Stuart Cousins which was a symbolic moment due to Stuart’s outstanding playing ability, his previous experience in playing in Sydney First Division (which was the highest league in the nation at the time) and the respect in which he was held in the Western league. There was a rumour that John Sinclair did not want to sign on initially bl.it when the offer was upgraded from two schooners to three! He signed on immediately. At the initial general meeting Dave Pritchard moved the Club be called Orange Waratah Soccer Club (after the NSW state flower) and the colours be Manchester City Blue.

The Club commenced in the next year where it entered a team in the Western District competition and a team in the local Orange competition (with some players common to both teams). The team under the coaching of Stuart Cousins started training at the Orange Sports Ground (now Sir Jack Brabham Park) and played most of their games at Bloomfield where the new hospital is now situated.

After its formation, the Club approached the Amoco Sports and Social Club, who operated the Amoco Hall (now the Orange Function Centre) for sponsorship. Under this arrangement the Club used the Amoco Hall for after game events and Club meetings. In return the Waratah Club _patronised many social events conducted by the Sports and Social Club.

A few years later Waratahs made an arrangement with the Orange Agricultural and Horticulture Society who were trustees of the Orange Showground, to have use of the grounds for home games for both Senior and Junior teams on the basis that Waratah’s maintained the grounds, marked the fields, mowed them, constructed sets of goal posts, fitted out and furnished the members bar beneath the Grandstand and manned the liquor booths at the Annual Orange Show. In later years the Club also built showers under the Old Grandstand (since demolished) and used the function area to host post match get togethers and other functions. This arrangement continued until 1980, from 1973 on these grounds were utilised for juniors only-our seniors began using Council facilities. During these years Waratah’s establish their base at the Metropolitan Hotel and this was the main meeting place for Club members.

In 1968, under Stuarts leadership, the Club won both Major and Minor premierships and were Challenge cup winners.

Played 25 games, won 21, drew 2, lost 1, and forfeited 1.

Goals for 114, goals against 25, top goal scorer J. Sinclair 31, runner up S. Cousins 28.

The very first competition game was against Dubbo United, where Waratahs won 13-1. Scorers for Waratah’s were J. Sinclair 5, A. Walker 2, A. Hooper 2, S. Cousins 2, W. Dunk 1, J. Layen 1.

The Waratahs team consisted of:

• John Layen, John came to Waratah’s from the Buena Vista Club, originally from England where he played for Norwich Juniors.
• Chris Stephenson aged 17, previously played for Police Boys Club, a local boy who has had a good season in defense.
• Adrian Walker (24) came to Waratah’s from Bloomfield Football Club. Originally from England, Adrian was a two-footed right-winger
• Alan Hooper (25) came to Waratahs from Bloomfield. Another Englishman, Hoop was a great header of the ball and an elusive left wing.
• John Sinclair (26) came to Waratahs from Bathurst RSL. Originally from Sydney where he played for Gladsville-Hornsby, John had a great year scoring 30 goals.
• Brian Dwyer (under 21) had been playing in Sydney with Earlwood and Belmore before coming to Waratahs.
• Charlie Wood (33) was another Bloomfield import. Originally from Scotland, he had been the Bloomfield captain.
• Stuart Cousins aged 30 came to Waratah’s from Bathurst RSL, Originally from Sydney where he had played fro Canterbury, Auburn and Granville. Stuart was captain/coach and this was his fourth Grand Final
• Alan Renike aged 17 played a full season with Bloomfield Football Club the previous year, a local boy, who had represented Western Districts under 18’s.
• Dave Pritchard (34,) originally from Wales, also came from Bloomfield Football Club. Dave was well-known throughout the Western Districts for his tough tackling. He is credited with beginning the whole Waratah idea.
• Neville Burridge (30) a local who came to Waratah’s from Bloomfield, played as a halfback. In the 1967 Grand Final he fractured his wrist.
• Jim Gowdy (33) was the reserve. He played in Sydney with Manly prior to moving to Queensland and then to Waratahs. Originally from Northern Ireland, Jim captained the Waratah’s all age side.

The result is history now with Waratah’s going on to win the final 1-0 with John Sinclair heading the winning goal

In the second year two grades were formed playing 1^st & 2^nd Grade in the Central West League competition, with Stuart Cousins coaching once again.

In 1969, again under the leadership of Stuart Cousins, the Club was again successful, with 1^st Grade being both Major and Minor premiers and Challenge Cup winners.

The 2^nd Grade side was disqualified for playing an unregistered player for most of the season.

During its first three years 1968-1970 with Stuart Cousin at the helm, 1^st Grade was Major and Minor Premiers and Challenge cup winners. 1970 saw a Club award introduced “Player of the Year” to be voted on by their peers. Charlie Wood was the inaugural winner.

In 1971 with Stuart Cousins again coaching, 1^st Grade finished 2^nd in the Premiership, with Brian Dwyer being voted Player of the Year. Dave Pritchard and Charlie Wood were made life members.

In 1972 1^st Grade was 2^nd in the Premiership but took out the Major Premiership with Alan Renike voted Player of the Year

In 1973 1^st Grade was again 2^nd in the Premiership losing the Major Premiership in the final and losing the Challenge Cup final. John Sinclair was voted Player of the Year. This year also saw Danny Broz become a life Member of the Club. Danny whilst not a player was the number one supporter of the club and was responsible for many of the club songs.

In 1974 with Stuart Cousins still at the helm 1^st Grade was Major and Minor Premiers. Ged Hall was voted player of the year.

1975 and 1976 were lean years for the Club, however Terry Gallard was voted Player of the Year in 1975 and Dennis Duncan was voted Player of the Year for 1976. Stuart Cousins who had been 1^st Grade Coach since the Club’s inception was made a Life Member for his services to the Club.

1977 with Stuart Cousins still at the helm saw 1^st Grade again successful, winning both Major and Minor Premiers and Challenge Cup winners, with Bob Barclay being voted Player of the Year. The Club also introduced a new award titled “Clubman of the Year” for services to the Club, with Danny Broz being voted the Inaugural Clubman of the Year.

1978 saw one of Tah’s better years, with Stuart Cousins still at the helm Tah’s were Major & Minor Premiers plus Challenge Cup winners and finished by winning the NSW Amateur Cup being the only club West of the Blue Mountains to do so. The Amateur Cup winning team comprised: Rob Burton (GK), Hugh Naisby, Pat Allen, Alan Renike, Peter Ogilvie, Brian Dwyer, Alan Turnbull, Stephen Watts, Robbie Brown, Rawdon Baxter and Geoff Centofanti. The team defeated Cronulla Seagulls in the final 2-1.

Alan Renike was voted the Player of the Year for the second time, and Garry Starr was voted Clubman of the Year. Club stalwarts John Sinclair and Marcel Boersma were both made Life Members.

In 1979 with Stuart Cousins in charge of 1^st grade for the 12’h consecutive year Tahs experienced a lean year. Neville Selwood was the Player of the Year and John Sinclair was voted Clubman of the Year

1980 saw Alan ‘Mort’ Turnbull take over as 1^st Grade coach. However it was another lean year. The Player of the Year was tied between Terry Gallard and Barry Walker, with Alan Banks voted Clubman of the Year. Another Club stalwart Alan Hooper was made a Life Member.

In 1981 Alan Turnbull was unable to coach due to work commitments, John Sinclair ste ed forward to coach 1^st Grade and the club had a successful year with 1•t, 2^nd & 3 Grade all being Major Premiers. Warwick Wilson was voted Player of the Year with John Sinclair voted Clubman of the Year.

1982 saw the Western District League replaced by a new entity called the Mid-State League and under coach John Sinclair 1^st Grade were once again Minor Premiers, losing out on the Major Premiership in the Grand Final. Robbie Barrett was voted Player of the Year and Michael (Mick) Vaughan was voted Clubman of the Year.

1983 still under John Sinclair as coach, 1^st Grade was again the Mid-State Minor Premiers only to lose the grand final. Robbie Brown was voted Player of the Year and Mick Vaughan was voted Clubman of the Year for the second year running.

1984 was another frustrating year with John Sinclair once again coaching 1^st Grade to the Minor Premiership only to lose the Major Premiership again. Steven Hooper was voted Player of the Year and Pat Allen was voted Clubman of the Year. Another Club Stalwart Bart Westgeest was made a Life Member

1985 was the year we made the decision to enter the Sydney-based competition and the wheels were set in motion. John Sinclair had retired from coaching and Garry Starr who had been diligently pursuing his coaching tickets was approached to get the team ready for entry into the Sydney Competition. Under the coaching of Garry the Club was both Major and Minor Premiers in the Mid-State League as well as Winning the Challenge Cup. Robbie Barrett was voted Player of the Year for the second time and John Rae was voted Clubman of the Year.

Orange Waratah Sports Club

Behind the scenes the Football Club began eyeing a place in the Sydney-based competition. While we considered that we had the talent and the junior base to build a viable team, we were subject to Orange City Council as to where and when we could play, plus we were forced to use various hotels for our base.

Before entering the Sydney competition it was decided to first construct our own grounds with licensed Club House and have the grounds lit for night football.

In 1975 the proposal was put forward to construct our own grounds and began a massive undertaking. The job of locating a site, negotiating acquisition, leasing the same, having it re-zoned “recreational”, earthmoving, dam construction for irrigation, applying for a liquor licence, building the Club House etc., while still catering for senior and junior teams, took considerably longer than envisaged in 1975.

The Sports Club was formed in 1977 and duly incorporated on 14^th December that year. The lease of the present site 17 hectares was secured from the Bathurst­ Orange Development Corporation plus the area of 1.75 acres was also purchased which is where the red shed, car park and the Club House are today. The Orange Drill Hall located on the corner of Lords Place and Kite Street was purchased for

$1.00 was dismantled and relocated to its present site by volunteer labour.

It wasn’t until January 1983 the Club House was finally opened with the objective to develop sporting and social facilities for club members. The Grounds were finally readied for use in September of that year.

The Sports Club has slowly grown from those humble beginnings to the the viabl_e complex it is today. Orange Waratah Sports Club is known as the Home of Sport m Orange with many sporting activities run from the Club.

Theses activities include football, rugby union, hockey, little athletics, touch football and cricket, as well as school sports carnivals and competitions.

The Sports Club also hosts major community events such as the Orange Family New Year’s Eve party and the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life

State League Years 1986 – 1994

With the Sports Club up and running, the idea of playing in the Sydney competition was again raised.

In 1985 the wheels were set in motion, John Rae was president of the Club at the time and John Payne and John Dunworth selected as delegates to represent the Club at the NSW Football Federation.

The work of drafting up the submission and the countless hours travelling to and from Sydney by both Johns the Club was finally rewarded and in 1986 Orange Waratahs was accepted into the 5^th Division of the Inter Urban League.

1986 under the coaching of Garry Starr for 1^st Grade and Dennis Duncan for 2^nd Grade, Tahs were immediately successful and were Champions in 1^st and 2^nd Grade. Bruce Cousins was voted Player of the Year in our inaugural year in the Sydney Competition and Alan Hooper was voted Clubman of the Year.

1987 saw Tah’s promoted to 4^th Division of the Inter-Urban League and were again successful with both 1^st and 2^nd Grade being Premiers. Player of the Year honours were shared by Paul Waine and Darren Sinclair. John Dunworth was Clubman of the Year and Garry Starr was made a Life Member.

After winning the inter-Urban Division 4 in both grades, 1988 saw Tahs once again promoted, this time to State League Division 3.

In 1987 Orange School teacher Paul Sherlock spent some time in France, where he met up with young Frenchman Alain (Kermit) Routier who was interested in coming to Australia to play football. Orange was duly recommended.

Alain arrived in 1988 and duly contacted Waratahs about playing for us. The club was more than happy to oblige as we could now claim to have a visa’d player on our books. Alain was a gifted forward who soon became a popular figure at the club and played for Tahs during the whole of the 1988 season and for a few games at the beginning of the 1989 season.

1988 with Garry Starr still coaching, Waratahs were now in State League 3 and competition was starting to et much harder. 1^st Grade finished 5^th in the League, whilst 2^nd Grade finished 1ot . Glen Hooper was voted Player of the Year and Bob McIntyre was voted Clubman of the Year.

1989 saw us get promoted into State League Division 2, this meant we were no longer required to have a 2^nd Grade side, however it did entail forming an Under 19 side. Garry Starr had decided to retire and Stuart Cousins came out of retirement to Coach 1^st Grade and Bob Barclay was asked to coach the Under 19 side. It was a tough year with 1^st Grade finishing second last in the competition and the Under 19’s finishing third last. Paul Waine was voted Player of the Year for the second time and John Payne was voted Clubman of the Year. Club stalwarts John Dunworth and Mick Vaughan were made Life Members

1990 saw a number of players moving on and our ranks were depleted. However with Stuart Cousins and Bob Barclay at the helm Tahs were again included in State.

League Division 2 but another tough year was to follow with 1^st Grade finishing last in the competition and Under 19’s also finishing last. Paul Waine was voted Player of the Year for the third time and Pat Allen was voted Clubman of the Year for a second time.

1991 saw both Stuart and Bob deciding to give coaching away due to other commitments. So Bill Sheridan was appointed coach of 1^st Grade, however half way through the season Bill was forced to resign as his job took him away from Orange. John Sinclair stepped into the breach and saw the year out.

1991 saw us acquire the services of three skilled young Papua New Guinean players through the hard work of Pat Allen, John Dunworth and Marcel Boersma. The three imports – Michael Witu, Heni Kembo and Umapi Bobola – provided us a much-needed boost to our playing numbers and were highly popular club members.

Even though we were still in State League Division 2 and with the help of the three Papuan New Guineans it was still another hard year for us with 1^st Grade finishing second last and under 19’s finishing third last. Glen Hooper was voted Player of the Year for the second time and John Layen was voted Clubman of the Year.

1992 Due to our poor showing over the previous couple of seasons we were relegated to State League Division 3. The year saw Paul Waine become Captain Coach of 1^st Grade and Gary Porter appointed coach of the Under 19’s. However another hard year was to follow as a number of players had moved on from Orange and our playing strength had started to dwindle, so it was becoming extremely harder to field sides, and once again we were at the bottom of the table.

1992 was also the year that we celebrated our 25^th anniversary, which we celebrated in conjunction with presentation night. Bruce Cousins was voted Player of the Year and Dave King was Clubman of the Year. John Brakenridge and John Layen were made Life Members of the Club. The great Mark Schwarzer, then an Australian Under 21s international (with a broken foot!!) was our special guest.

1993 saw Gary Porter appointed 1^st Grade coach but Gary resigned halfway through the season and was replaced by Bruce Cousins. We struggled with 1^st Grade finishing second last and Under 19’s finishing eighth.

1993 also saw the NSW Football Federation put forward a proposal to establish a Central West League inviting teams from Orange, Lithgow, Bathurst, Young, Cowra and Dubbo to participate.

During the years we had been in the State League we still had teams in the local Orange-Mitchell competitions so even though Tahs had been struggling in State League due to players moving on etc. it was decided that we would do what we could to help with this fledgling competition.

1994 saw us once again relegated this time to State League Division 4, so we entered two teams in State League, an all age side in the Local Competition and a 1^st grade and Under 18’s in the fledgling Central West League, which placed a huge burden on our resources.

As expected 1994 was a hard year with our resources stretched so thin, the State League teams with Bruce Cousins and Jason Sinclair at the helm both struggled. Kenny Kostich coached Central West League, where we finished mid-table. Darren Sinclair was voted Player of the Year for the second time and Dave King was voted Clubman of the Year.

At a meeting at the end of 1994 it was decided, with great reluctance, not to re-apply for inclusion in the Sydney competition. This was brought about through; players retiring and others leaving the district, as well as spiraling travel costs.

So 1994 saw the end of our sojourn into the Sydney competition. Whilst we would like to think it was a great experience for both the Club and players, it was also a great experience for the people of Orange. They got to see some great football and some world class players graced the turf at Tahs. Also a number of youngsters moved on from Orange and secured places with Sydney teams.

So with the decision not to re-apply to State League the Club could now concentrate all its efforts and resources into the newly formed Central West League and the local Orange-Mitchell competition.

The Club would like to acknowledge all the officials, coaches, players and supporters for their efforts during those years. Every other weekend they were up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday to meet at the Club for the bus trip to Sydney, hours spent travelling, and then the late nights arriving back at the Club, even though some had to get up early the next morning.

Central West League 1995 – 2002

So 1995 saw Waratahs fully committed to supporting the newly established Central West League and the local Orange & District competitions. Club stalwart Terry Gallard took over the coaching roll for both grades in the Central West League. With the Sydney experience behind them Tahs once again started to taste success with 1^st Grade taking out the Major Premiership. Ben Carey was voted Player of the Year and Mel Renike was voted Clubman of the Year.

1996 saw Terry Gallard once again take control of 1^st Grade in the Central West League, whilst Chris Reiss took over the running of the under 18’s.Tah’s also placed a team in the Central West Pre-season seven-a-side competition called the WIN 7’s.

The club finished 3^rd in the Central West Competition and won the inaugural WIN 7’s Cup, also the 3rd Grade Orange & District team (The Dreamers) took out the ‘B’ Grade Grand Final. Glen Sinclair was voted Player of the Year and Bart Westgeest was voted Clubman of the Year. 1996 also saw Geoff Centofanti and Terry Gallard made life Members of the Club

1997 Dave Smith take over the roll of 1^st Grade coach in conjunction with Garry Starr, how ever as with most country towns the nature of his job required Dave to move towns at the end of the season. Tahs 1^st Grade finished 3^rd in the Central West League but once again won the WIN 7’s. Gary Simpson was voted Player of the Year and Darren Sinclair was voted Clubman of the Year.

1998 saw Terry Gallard once again appointed coach of the Central West 1^st Grade side. Another year of mixed success with 1^st Grade finishing 2^nd in the Central West League, but Tahs took out the WIN 7’s competition for the third year running. Player of the Year was shared between Bradley Gallard and James Dean, and Mel Renike was voted Clubman of the Year for the second time.

1999 Central West 1^st Grade saw Bruce Cousins appointed as a Waratah Captain/Coach. This year Tahs went one better than the previous 3 years by finishing Minor Premiers. Bruce Cousins was voted Player of the Year and Michelle Grimmett was named Clubman of the Year.

The new millennium 2000 saw Derek Trotter appointed coach Central West 1^st Grade. Derek was immediately successful in 1^st year as coach taking out the Major & Minor Premierships. Player of the year was Darren Sinclair for the third time, and Darren was also voted as Clubman of the year for the second time.

2001 saw Derek Trotter continue as Coach of Central West League 1^st Grade team. This year saw Tahs finish 5^th in the Central West League. Scott Brakenridge was voted Player of the Year and Rob White was voted Clubman of the Year. 2001 also saw Allan Renike and Darren Sinclair awarded Life Memberships

2002 Derek Trotter coached 1^st Grade for the third year running, which saw Tahs reach the semi-finals only to end our run there. Robbie Crowe was voted Player of the year and Jo Sinclair was voted Clubman of the Year.

2002 also the winding down of the Central West League and a new Competition was created the Western Premier League.

Western Premier League 2003 – 2012

2003 saw commencement of the new competition and Derek stepping down from coaching role and James Dean stepped in to fill the vacancy, being new to coaching James sought the assistance of Gary Davidson to help out. Their season proved quite successful, with 1^st Grade making it to the Final only to lose out narrowly. Michael Hare was voted Player of the Year and Alan Hooper was voted Clubman of

0       the Year for the second time.

2004 once again saw James Dean take on the coaching role but the year was not quite as successful as the previous year as Tahs could only make it to the semi­ finals before bowing out. Andrew Loxley was voted Player of the Year and Terese Logan was voted Clubman of the Year.

In 2005 James Dean stepped down from the coaching role and Gary Davidson took over the reins. Once again Tahs proved competitive only to go out in the Western Premier League Finals. Tim Davidson was voted Player of the Year and Jo Sinclair was voted Clubman of the Year for the second time.

2006 saw Derek Trotter return for another stint as 1^st Grade coach, which saw Tahs improve on the previous years by taking out the Western Premier Leagu_e Major Premiership. Tim Davidson was voted Player of the Year for the second time and Terese Logan was voted Clubman of the year also for the second time.

2007 saw Derek Trotter step down due to work commitments so Alan Hooper took over the coaching role. Again it was another successful year with the Club taking out the Western Premier League Major Premiership. Tim Davidson was voted Player of the Year for the third successive year and Alan Hooper was voted Clubman of the Year for the third time. 2007 also saw Val Hooper and Dave Frizzel awarded Life Memberships.

2008 Allen Renike was installed as 1^st Grade coach with Tahs making it to the Western Premier League Semi-Finals before being knocked out. Tim Davidson was once again voted Player of the Year for the fourth time and Steven Priest was voted Clubman of the Year.

2009 saw Allan Renike installed as coach once again and he had a successful year coaching Tahs to the Western Premier League Minor Premiership. Gavin Carthew was voted player of the Year and Steven Priest was voted Clubman of the Year for the second successive season.

2010 Allan Renike took over the reins once more and was again successful taking out the Western Premier League Minor Premiership for the second successive year.

Tim Davidson was voted Player of the Year for the fifth time and Brad Apps was voted Clubman of the Year.

2011 saw Allan Renike take up the coaching role once again in conjunction Gary Davidson. Tahs made it to the Western Premier League Semi-Finals in 1^st Grade

and Reserve Grade took out the Major Premiership. David Bouffler was voted Player of the Year and Jamie Powell was voted Clubman of the Year.

2012 saw Allan Renike retire from the coaching role however Garry Davidson stayed on and coached in conjunction with Pat Allen. The Club continued its excellent form in the Western Premier League finishing runners up. Adam Kelly was voted Player of the Year and Darren Sinclair was voted Clubman of the Year for the third time.

2012 saw the demise of the Western Premier League, due to many teams being unable to attract players that were willing to travel, the rising costs of inter-town travel. So 2012 saw most of the teams in the League returning to their local competitions.

2013 saw a number of players joining more competitive competitions to the east of Orange. Whilst the remaining players put 2 teams into the local Orange & District ‘A’ Grade competition, 3 teams in the ‘B’ Grade competition and 2 in the ‘C’ Grade competition. Waratah Old Boys won the Orange & District ‘A’ Grade Major Premiership. Due to the votes for Player of the Year being shared between four or five players, it was decided that the award could not be awarded to any one player that year. Robyn Churchland was voted Clubman of the Year.

2014 Saw Tahs once again enter numerous teams in ‘A’, ‘B’, & ‘C’ Grades with Waratah FC taking out the Orange & District Major Premiership. Adam Kelly was voted Player of the Year and Darren Sinclair was voted Clubman of the Year for the Fourth time.

2015 again Tahs entered numerous teams in all 3 grades of the Orange & District competition; this year saw Waratah Old Boys take out their second Orange & District ‘A’ Grade Major Premiership. Pavel Melnichuk was voted Player of the Year and Darren Sinclair was voted Clubman of the Year for the fifth time.

2016 saw Tahs once again nominate numerous teams in all 3 Grades of the Orange & District competitions. This year saw Waratah FC take out the Orange & District ‘A’ Grade Minor Premiership. Player of the Year was shared between Steve Cooper and Craig Sugden and Robyn Churchland was voted Clubman of the Year for the second time.

2017 saw Tahs nominate 3 teams in each of the three grades of Orange & District competitions, which saw Waratah Old Boys take out the Minor Premiership only to lose out in the Grand Final to Millthorpe Tigers. Then on the following day they unluckily missed out on Champion of Champions in a penalty shoot-out.

The past 50 years have been a roller coaster ride for Orange Waratahs, we’ve seen some highs and some lows, fortunately the highs have outweighed the lows.

It has been a massive achievement when you think about it, something that started out as seven mates getting together to form a team in the local competition has evolved into a an important part of the Orange City Community.

The Sports Club known as the Home of Sport in Orange has continued to thrive as can be seen by the magnificent establishment we are sitting in today. We can only see a bright future from here on in with the number of juniors and seniors playing.

and who knows maybe some years down the track we may yet again be able to field teams in a statewide football competition.

So we hope everyone enjoys the night and we look forward to seeing you all again . for our diamond jubilee celebration in 2027.

Waratah Women’s Soccer

Whilst never really having a formal women’s competition football teams until the latter years, the ladies have always been majorly involved with Orange Waratah Football Club. From helping out with fund raising events, manning canteens, serving on the committee, acting as managers and strappers with both the Junior and Senior Clubs.

In all honesty the club could not have evolved as it has without the support of the wives, girl friends, daughters and all those other women who have been involved with the club.

So over the years the women have also played a few games of football in the early years, it has been friendlies against various local teams in the district.

The first official Waratah Women’s Football team was formed in 1997, when the existing St. Joseph Sheehan Women’s team moved across to play under the Orange Waratah Football Club umbrella. The team made the decision to move to Waratah’s due to the excellent training and playing facilities that existed back then and still do today.

Eric Jacobs was coach assisted by Jason Bargwanna of the first official women’s team, which was successful in winning the Premiership in their inaugural year.

The team consisted of: Kiera Jacobs, Kara Pilley, Stacey Brooking, Kerry Gardener, Karen Fieldus, Rosemary Bargwanna, Leanne Walker, Tracey Simmonds, Aliesha Knight, Danielle Spargo, Kathleen Power, Melanie Renike, Shannon Alexander and Amanda Ferguson.

Over the years Waratah Women have had many successes in winning 3 Premierships and being involved in a number of semi-finals and finals.

Another notable achievement was the Orange Waratah Women’s Under 16 side who under the coaching of Steve Burridge were runners-up in the State wide Champions of Champions, with Jennifer Simpson being name Player of the Match.

Another of our young players, Lyndsay Glohe, also made it to the Women’s Premier League, playing with Central Coast Mariners.

A special mention must be made to Robyn Churchland for her efforts as Club secretary, promoting Women’s Football, organising and running the Women’s Twilight competition for several years.

Junior Soccer

Since the Club was established in 1968 it was always envisaged that there would always be a Junior Club run in conjunction with the senior. In the early days the first junior teams were mainly the young sons of the senior players.

Though run as a separate entity, it has always been run along side the Senior Club, with the Junior President automatically appointed to the Senior Clubs board.

From the early days starting with a few junior teams the Junior Club has grown over the years to be one of the biggest clubs in the area. Many Juniors have gone onto become valuable members of the Senior club.

The club has continued to grow over the years, Starting off in 1968 with just a couple of teams to now where we have 56 junior teams comprising of nearly 650 junior players.

Orange Waratah Football Club Life Members

Dave Pritchard                                         1972

Orange Waratah Football Club The Early Years 1967 – 1985. The club was established in 1967 with seven foundation members:

Ode to Waratah’s

What is this thing called a Waratah?

Some say a flower found afar But ask the people up Orange way,

And in one voice you’ll hear them say They’re the boys who wear sky blue

And the they play the game of football too

A crazy bunch that we all know Who’ve helped the game in Orange grow

They crossed the mountains to follow their Starr And show the city folk a Waratah

Now they see this city from way out west Can play the world game with the best

To play the game in Sydney town Was the aim of this team of great renown But now they’ve played this higher game To move to National Football is the aim

Now this might seem a bit spectacular But nothing is impossible for a Waratah.