Waitemata FC History
Waitemata FC traces its roots back to the community of Ranui, where the club's story began with the formation of Western United in 1959, spearheaded by Tommy Russell, Reg Matthews, and Frank Lowe. Despite rugby's deep roots in the area, this new football club quickly made its mark, beginning with junior teams and expanding to senior teams the following year.
The club's senior debut in 1960 was marked by a gala at Cooks Paddock on Swanson Road. The festivities included a parade of floats from Redwood Park to the new grounds. That same year, Western United participated in the Auckland Anniversary Show at Western Springs, where they showcased table football at their stall.
Notable figures have played significant roles in the club's history. In 1961, Assid Corban served as club president, and the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary was the club's patron. Western United's first senior games at Cooks Paddock were unforgettable, particularly a match against Eden, where Western United triumphed 5-0 after Eden's captain had underestimated the new team.
The early 1960s saw Western United's rise to prominence, earning promotion to the 2nd Division and winning the Dacre Cup in 1962 and again in 1967. In 1964, they reached the semi-finals of the Chatham Cup Northern Section, narrowly losing 3-2 to Mt. Wellington in extra time. Ken Armstrong, Mt. Wellington’s legendary coach, compared the support and singing from Western United’s fans to that of passionate English football supporters.
In those formative years, the club benefited from the talent of New Zealand Air Force personnel stationed at Whenuapai, as well as British and Dutch immigrants. Players like Gary Eccles, Harry Precious (an Auckland representative player), Ken Conway, and John Summers became club stalwarts. Goalkeepers such as Denis Wells, Ron Wheaton, Derel Rowlinson, Gerry Keyning, and Nick Bakker also left a lasting legacy. The next generation, including Bernie Hunter, Howard Bough, and Eddie Verbieson, continued to uphold the club's high standards.
Behind the scenes, administrators like John and Elaine Sheehan, Sam Oldfield, Yvonne Johns, John Mochan, John Krynen, and Reg Keeling kept the club running smoothly, ensuring its ongoing success. Football's growth in the Ranui area during the early 1960s was a significant achievement, especially considering that young Frankie Krynen was initially discouraged from bringing a football to Ranui Primary School. A few years later, football had overtaken rugby in popularity.
In 1968, the club moved and was renamed Henderson AFC, but this was short-lived. By the 1970s, they had relocated to their current home at McLeod Park, marking the beginning of a 50-plus-year history with the ground. The Waitemata County Council, as a condition for securing the new grounds, requested that the club change its name to Waitemata Football Club (WFC).
Back in the 1960s, when West Auckland was still underdeveloped, McLeod Park was little more than a field of gorse leading to marshland along the Whau River. Current member Nick Marsh recalls how his father and uncles undertook the challenging task of clearing the gorse. Upon securing the rights to McLeod Park in the 1970s, the council donated bricks to help construct the clubhouse and car park. The original clubhouse was modest, with just one level, a small room, and limited facilities. Life member Barbara Smith fondly recalls post-match gatherings in the original clubhouse, where two pool tables provided entertainment, albeit with the occasional close call with a pool cue!
The clubrooms were eventually redeveloped, thanks to the hard work of club members, support from local businesses, and a great deal of passion. Over the years, Waitemata FC has enjoyed success at both youth and senior levels. The men's first team achieved back-to-back promotions into the Northern League, while the women's team dominated their competition in 2019. The Battle of the Bridge trophy, fiercely contested whenever Waitemata FC and Te Atatu FC meet, remains a coveted prize.
The love of the game is perhaps best exemplified by Peter Van Der Sluis, who played for 49 consecutive years and was the oldest player to represent the men's first team at 47—a testament to the enduring passion for football at Waitemata FC.
Throughout its history, Waitemata FC has been proud to have several All Whites and Football Ferns among its ranks. These include Gary Eccles (1962), Darren McClennan (1986-97), Roger Gray (1989-97), Karl Jorgensen (All Whites 1980s/90s), Yvonne Vale (Ferns 1980s), Paul Urlovic (All Whites 1990s/2000s), Tony Laus (1992), Neil Harlock (1995-97), and Kenny Harlock (1997).
The club owes a special debt of gratitude to its founders, whose efforts have laid the foundation for football's growth in the region. Thanks to Frank Krynen and 'Tales of Te Atatu' for providing this information in 2019.
Club Name Evolution:
- 1959: Western United
- 1968: Henderson AFC
- 1970: Waitemata City AFC
- 2014: Waitemata FC
