Socceroo cap No. 5 William Dane honoured by the Granville District Soccer Football Association

Avatar
Image provided by Football NSW

With the Socceroos set to celebrate the Centenary of their first ever international match against New Zealand in Dunedin later this month, the Granville District Soccer Football Association have taken the opportunity to honour Socceroo cap Number 5 William “Billy” Dane.

A Granville local who has the distinction of being a part of that inaugural Socceroos international match, Dane’s wonderful achievement was acknowledged by the GDSFA this past Grand Final weekend by awarding the Player of the Match of every one of their competition Grand Finals the specially crafted Billy Dane Medal.

Granville Association historian Noel Dona said via Football NSW:

“It is very fitting that we immortalise our Socceroo pioneer as it will be a reminder to every player and especially every winner of his medal, that they walk in the footsteps of a local champion.

“Billy was born and raised in Blaxcell Street and lived all his life in Granville. As a teenager he played for the Association club, Holroyd United, and in 1914 won our Challenge Shield, Australia’s oldest soccer silverware.”

The following year the baby-faced, fleet-footed right winger caught the attention of the all-conquering Granville Magpies and was invited to join the team where they enjoyed immediate State League success winning the Championship.

Then as with many of his teammates, he joined the war effort in 1916 and fought in Europe. Upon his return, he continued playing for the Magpies and would soon make a name for himself taking Granville to the 1920 and 1921 Gardiner Cup Grand Final and then winning it in 1922.

When the Socceroo tour of New Zealand was then announced, he was soon selected and played in the first and third Test Matches – only injury prevented him from playing in the second Test Match.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Minns Labor Government announces commitment to women’s football legacy.

Avatar
Credit: Northern NSW Football

The Minns Labor Government has announced an investment of $400,000 towards women’s football as a bonus of NSW hosting 11 games at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The NSW Football Legacy Program includes five key initiatives designed to grow and support women’s football at every level, ensuring a lasting impact from NSW hosting matches during the tournament — including the Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.

Here’s what the program offers:

  • Women in Leadership Program: Designed to boost confidence and leadership skills among women in football, helping them step into or grow in leadership roles while building a strong network of advocates for the game.
  • Body Image and Wellbeing Program: Aimed at female players aged 13 to 18 in the National Premier League, this initiative focuses on promoting healthy body image and overall wellbeing.
  • Flexible Football Initiative: Introduces more accessible and adaptable ways for women to get involved in grassroots football, removing traditional barriers to participation.
  • Coach and Referee Mentor Program: Helps develop a strong network of female coaches and referees by pairing them with experienced mentors, creating role models and encouraging more women to take on these important roles.
  • First Nations Football: Supports young First Nations footballers (aged 14–16) and coaches by providing opportunities to train and grow in high-performance environments.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper stated that the Minns Labor Government aims to build on the success of recent women’s football events to create a lasting, inclusive legacy for women and girls in NSW through the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years, including the unforgettable performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,” Kamper said in a press release.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure that the momentum from that tournament and NSW’s hosting of 11 games at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy for women’s football in NSW at all levels.

“The initiatives delivered through the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure football is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls to play the World Game.”

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas welcomed the NSW Government’s support, saying it will help make football more accessible, safe, and inclusive for women and girls as Football NSW works toward gender parity.

“Football NSW has experienced unprecedented growth in female football and we are delighted with the NSW Government’s continued commitment to our game,” Tsatsimas said in a press release

“The initiatives being supported, including the Empower Her body image and wellbeing program, will help to ensure that football is an accessible, safe and enjoyable sport for women and girls across the state.

“We look forward to seeing the impact of these new and expanded programs over the coming years as Football NSW continues towards the goal of gender parity in our game.”

The $400,000 investment and the initiatives within the NSW Football Legacy Program mark a significant step forward in strengthening women’s football across the state.

Football Australia appoint Heather Garriock as Interim CEO

Avatar
Credit: Football NSW

Football Australia has announced the appointment of Heather Garriock as Interim Chief Executive Officer, following James Johnson’s resignation

This appointment is a landmark moment for Football Australia, with Ms Garriock becoming the first woman ever to lead the organisation.

As the most popular sport in both Australia and the world, this marks a significant turning point in the history of Australian sport.

A former Matilda, Olympian, and accomplished sports administrator, Ms Garriock brings a wealth of experience to the role.

She has previously led Australian Taekwondo as CEO, has been a member of the Football Australia Board since 2021, and currently sits on the Asian Football Confederation’s Technical Committee.

Ms Garriock also had an exceptional playing career. She represented the Matildas in three FIFA Women’s World Cups, three AFC Women’s Asian Cups, and two Olympic Games.

In recognition of her remarkable contribution to the sport, she was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2021.

As part of standard governance procedures, Ms Garriock officially stepped down from her position on the Football Australia Board yesterday.

Ms Garriock expressed her honour in taking on the role, highlighting her commitment to inclusive leadership, key strategic goals, and drawing on her lifelong experience in football to guide the game’s future at the highest level.

“I’m honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal time for football in Australia,” Garriock said in a press release.

“My focus will be on strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership as we work to deliver on key priorities — from Socceroos World Cup qualification and the appointment of a new Matildas coach, to the delivery of major tournaments and the continued development of our digital platform, PlayFootball.

“I have spent a lifetime in football and have literally played every position in football both on and off their field.

“This experience provides me with the unique ability to bring all perspectives of our game to the highest levels of decision making and build on the great work of James Johnson.”

She will now take on the role of Interim CEO while the Board undertakes both a local and international search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend