Anthony (Tony), affectionately known as ‘Mouth’, began his association with football as a player with Mount Colah Soccer Club in 1959. He played with Mount Colah for a number of years before becoming one of the founding members of the team that formed Asquith Soccer Club (now known as Asquith Football Club) in 1969. The team won Division Two and also Gala Day against Mount Colah in their first year. Anthony continued to play with Asquith until his retirement. He was also an A grade cricketer, playing wicketkeeper.
Anthony was on the Committee of Asquith Soccer Club holding many roles including Secretary. He remained on the Committee the entire time that he played. Chris Hemming reports that for any position that was available and unable to be filled, Anthony would step up and fill the position. Anthony was a tireless worker for the Asquith Soccer Club and was honoured with Life Membership for his volunteer work.
In 1973 the Ku-ring-gai and District Soccer Association (KDSA which is now known as the NSFA) introduced an annual event called the ‘Challenge Cup’. This was a game between players from the northern area and the southern area of the Association. Anthony was often selected as the goal keeper in this annual event.
Anthony commenced his administration career with the KDSA in 1972 when he attended a meeting organized by fellow life member Walter de Ste Croix. Walter called this meeting with the concept of forming an All Age Committee. This Committee would organize the All Age Competitions for the KDSA. Anthony became a member of this Committee. In 1973, there were no computerized draws. Anthony and a fellow member of the All Age Committee undertook the task of meeting fortnightly at each others residence to prepare the draw and forward it to the editor of Soccer News, which was printed and issued to each registered player. In 1979, Anthony undertook the role of All Age Convenor for the Association. He continued as a member of this Committee until the early 1990’s.
The All Age Committee organised and performed many events/duties. They included the Annual Presentation Ball, KDSA Cup and the running of Finals Day, catering for Gala Day, organising matches between Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) All Age and KDSA All Age, attending Committee meetings held fortnightly to ensure effective competitions and the formulation of a ‘Wet Weather’ Committee. The Wet Weather Committee would be around the grounds by 7.00 am on wet Saturdays; Anthony would then reschedule cancelled games if possible.
Anthony was a member of the Protest, Disputes and Disciplinary Committee (PD&DC) for several seasons before taking on the position of Chairman of the PD&DC in 1988. He again undertook this role in 1991 when it became difficult to fill.
Anthony was elected Ground Controller for the KDSA in 1983 and held this position up to and including 1985. Anthony again held this position in 1990.
Anthony was awarded Life Membership of the Association in 1984 and served the Association for over 20 years. Sadly Anthony passed away in January 2024. We thank Anthony to his immense contribution to football and the Association.
