From its humble beginnings of just one registered team 50 years ago to its 41 teams and 449 players registered today, Rutherford Football Club continues to keep moving from strength to strength.
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With the number of players signing up to play soccer with the historic club growing steadily year on year, last year saw 7 teams moving through to finals and a grand final winner for the club.
With players as young as 5 years old now welcomed at the club to long-term members representing the over 35 year old teams, the sport is a fantastic way to find fun and fitness for everyone and in particular, gives kids a sense of belonging and the opportunity to make new friends outside of school.
Following set rules, taking direction and accepting decisions is a large part of playing competitive sport and is a great way to instill a sense of respect in kids.
Listening to peers, working as part of a team and learning to be gracious in both victory and defeat are all important skill kids can take from the pitch.
Kylie Parsons, Secretary for Rutherford FC believes that joining a local club is a great way of supporting the community.
“ We have some players that have been with us for a very long time, with one gentleman still playing after 11 years at the age of 60.
“It’s a great way of team building and building long-term friendships within the community,” said Parsons.
The club has a wealth of history throughout the community with 21 life members to date, including the late and much loved Janice Fleming and also Norm Chapman who was the patron of Rutherford Junior Soccer Club, with the grounds named in his memory.
To celebrate its recent 50th birthday, the club will be hosting a gala dinner on June 3, with special guest Lawrie McKinna, CEO of the Newcastle Jets.
The club will also be holding a gala day for players to mark the fifty years anniversary, with a line up of games and medals in the offering, with the date soon to be confirmed.
For those children interested in the under 6 and 7s teams for 2017 there’s the lure of a free set of shin pads and a soccer ball upon registration.
All fees to register with the club have stayed the same since 2012 and this year sees the introduction of a new family discount, offering reductions for a second and further discounts for third players registering from one family.
All new participants are required to bring along either a birth certificate or passport as proof of age and identity at the time of registration.
Rutherford FC will be taking registrations on Saturday February 18, from 1pm to 3pm at Maitland City Bowling Club, Arthur Street. Anyone interested in joining or finding out more is welcome.