Lewis (Lew) Thomas was from the East Gordon Club which was one of the first clubs to join the Association in 1957. In May of that year, three Under 12 games were played which were the first matches played under the Ku-ring-gai and District Soccer Association (KDSA) banner. The games were played at Bannockburn Oval and the teams that took part were West Pymble, Wahroonga, Turramurra (now known as Kissing Point), Lindfield, North Turramurra and a Beecroft team. By the end of the 1957 season, West Pymble had a second team and East Gordon had joined the Association. In 1958, there were ten Under 10 teams, ten Under 12 teams and six Under 14 teams and by 1960 there were 49 teams playing in the Association.
The growth of the KDSA in the early years led to a battle for grounds to run the competitions. The administration and continual dealings with Council for grounds was becoming time consuming as the Association was run entirely by volunteers. It was decided that for the 1963 season that an Assistant Secretary would join the Management Committee. Lewis Thomas was appointed to the role and became the first Assistant Secretary of the KDSA.
Lew continued in the role for the 1964 season and then became the Association Secretary in 1965. Lew stayed in this role for the 1966 and 1967 seasons. For the 1967 season, Lew also held the position of Treasurer of the KDSA.
Lew was inducted as a Life Member of the Association in 1968 along with Eric Hayes, Cliff Parsons and Col Scott-Kemmis who were other early administrators. The Association thanks Lew for his foundational contributions to the Association.
The Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) and Gordon FC would be delighted to hear any more details about Lewis Thomas including photographs. Please contact the NSFA or Gordon FC if you have any further information about Lew’s contribution to football in our district.