Ross Emerton never imagined Tarrawanna Football Club would turn out like it has.
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The Blueys life member has been there since day one and has watched the club evolve into one of the Illawarra Premier League’s most respected organisations.
It all began back in 1967 when Emerton played an instrumental role forming Tarrawanna, with the support of Ken Landrigan, David Poole and Bellambi’s Stan Gill.
The Blueys played their first season the same year and are still plying their trade 50 years on.
Emerton admits it all wouldn’t have been possible with the support of countless club men and women.
“It’s a great club that’s a real family club. That’s what it is all about,” he said.
Tarrawanna have won four Bert Bampton Cups, two Corrimal Leagues, three first division grand finals and, two second division deciders and a Fraternity Cup throughout their history.
The club has also claimed several pieces of silverware youth and reserve grades.
They’ve played at their current base at Tarrawanna Oval since the 1970’s.
The club played at Tarrawanna Public School for its first four seasons and then played three more seasons at Balgownie Oval before moving to their ground at the foot of the Illawarra Escarpment.
“A chap named Jimmy Cropper was involved at the Steelworks and BHP came good giving us the ground,” Emerton explains.
“We had to do a lot to it because it was all full of coal wash so that’s why we can play on it all the time because the water drains away. So that’s how we got the ground and we went from there. It got bigger and better.”
Tarrawanna has been a nursery for young talent.
The most notable former player, Socceroos legend Scott Chipperfield, went on to carve out a storied professional career after joining from Bellambi.
“We still have Chippers shirts,” Emerton said.
“He can’t come back to the reunion unfortunately.
“I thought he was going to come back and play youth grade for us this year, but he did come back and play for us a few seasons back.
“He came to us from Bellambi many years ago and we won the competition that year. Then everyone was after him. He has been good.”
Tarrawanna are mid-way through a strong season in the Illawarra Premier League.
The first grade squad, which is coached by Peter Willis, carved out a vital 1-0 win over Wollongong United on the weekend.
It cemented the Blueys spot in fourth on the ladder.
The Blueys will celebrate 50 years with an anniversary dinner to be held on Saturday, July 1.
Contact davidnaylor1953@gmail.com for tickets.
