By the 1960s, the club membership was a reflection of the rapid growth of the North Bankstown and Yagoona areas, with the club fielding more than 30 teams in the Bankstown United Association of Soccer Clubs competition.
North Bankstown competed in successful premierships outside the district too, including the inter-suburban League and Amateur League in the 1960s and the Metropolitan League in the late 1970s.
The club was also a long-time member of the NSW Soccer Federation’s division one and two competitions.
By the late 1980s, the ageing population of the area saw the club’s teams drop to around 10, with this level being maintained.
One famous era in the club’s history before the Premier League, was in 1970 when the club won 10 consecutive All-Age premierships, including Champion of Champions and Amateur Cup competitions.
President Mark Kearns said hundreds have played, supported or contributed to Norths across the seven decades and were all invited to join in celebrating 70 years of North Bankstown Soccer Club at an Anniversary Dinner in the Grand Ballroom at Bankstown Sports Club on October 21.
“There will be players coming from all over Australia, including Bribie Island and Cairns,” he said.
“Plus there’s a group of players who started in 1953 who still meet up a few times a year and most of them will be returning for the anniversary reunion.
“It will be a fantastic night with plenty of raffles, an auction and loads of excitement and surprises so help us spread the word.”
Info, bookings: northbankstownsoccer.com.au, Mark on 0407 505 377 or secretary@northbankstownsoccerclub.com.
North Bankstown marks 70th
THEY formed in 1953, fielded three teams in their debut season in 1954 and setting up a pattern for future success, North Bankstown Soccer Club’s under 10s, 12s and 14s won a premiership and two runners-up pennants in that very first year.