Combined Churches F C - 1952 to 1998
Kangaroos Junior FC - 1999 to present day.
A Club is Born
The Combined Churches FC was NOT created by a rule of thumb town zoning rule as was the case with the original four sections / clubs of the Wangaratta JFL back in May, 1938 -
- Section 1 Team - (Ovens Rovers)
- Section 2 Team - (Centrals)
- Section 3 Team - (Imperials)
- Section 4 Team - (South Wanderers)
Nor was Combined Churches FC created exclusively for a targeted group as with the Hostel FC (1952) or College FC (1957). Rather, it began in 1952, because of the efforts of a group of boys (mates), who simply wanted to play football together. For many of these boys a regular game was merely a dream with the established clubs where numbers were not a problem. Lyn Barr, Ted Sevenson and Doug McLaughlin approached the Presbyterian minister, the Reverend A.T. Stevens, and from this the club emerged.
The Reverend Stevens chaired the first meeting, held at the Presbyterian Hall ans was attended by approximately 50 people. Although the Reverend Stevens and parents were involved, it was the drive of the boys which saw the club founded. The club was strongly linked to the Presbyterian Church, with the other churches such as the Methodist and Baptist churches being drawn in.
The colors of the team had to be different and so the players decided on pale blue with a white vee. The colors were so different from any colors of any team in the area; distinct colors were what they aimed for. These colors were worn from 1952 to 1956.
Once the club was formed and the colors of the team established, the hunt for players was next. Apart from Doug McLaughlin who was an outstanding footballer, the rest were fringe players who were simply looking to get a regular game and play with their mates. Players were primarily from the Wangaratta High School, with the other teams drawing oon the larger Technical School.
Few of the players would of forseen what their efforts would lead to as they struggled in their first few years. They established a club which still pursues the ideals -
Family involvement and playing the game to the best of your ability.
From the - History of the Combined Churches FC : 1952 to 1991 - "Persist and Succeed" by Darren Lewis.
More to come soon !
This book is available to read only at the Wangaratta Library, under reference No. -
NE 796.3360 99455 LEW
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Memorabilia - Wanted !
We hope you enjoy our website, which is a continual work in progress. We are looking for any old W&DJFL / Combined Churches / Kangaroos Junior FC memorabilia.
If you have any old photos, jumpers, trophies, medals, we would love to have them on "loan" & hopefully display them in a locked and safe trophy cabinet in our clubrooms. Please contact - Justin Kelly on 041 910 7960 or send an email through to - jjkelly@bigpond.net.au
It would be most appreciated!
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