Barry’s first contact with the old Point Chevalier Football club came in the early 1970s when his two sons Mark & Anthony played junior football. Barry held the position of Club Chairman for many years. Over this same period his wife Elaine was also club secretary. During his time as Men’s First team manager Barry was involved in bringing Jimmy Shepherd to the club as player/coach. This began a glory period as the Men’s team rose from the 4th Division to the upper divisions of Auckland football and many epic battles including Chatham Cup games were witnessed at the Walker Park ground.
Barry was a key driver to solve the problems of not having clubrooms and found an old converted church in Moa Road that became the clubrooms for many years. But even then it was acknowledged that only a purpose built facility in a non-residential street would suffice and the search began for another site. Years of lobbying the Auckland City Council & leaflet drops to local residents finally resulted in one of the proudest moments for the now Western Springs Club, the opening of the Seddon Fields facility. Barry was extremely honoured to be asked onto the “clubroom planning committee” to utilise his construction background during the building of the new clubrooms at Seddon Fields.
He has been a member of the WSAFC since around 1989 when he was a player for the first team.
Barry came back into the fold as the Men’s first team manager in 2007, serving as an assistant to Stuart Prosser, Glenn Sheppard and Brent Wood.
Senior Committee
Barry has served on the Senior Committee since 2010.
Executive Committee
Barry served as a Senior committee appointee to the Executive Committee from November 2013, stepping down at the end of the 2019 Season.
Barry has been the “Go To” Guy for the club for a number of years, with his countless book of contacts, in looking after the purchase and installation of a number of club initiatives including the field barrier toblerones, the old dugouts, the original box nets and multiple BBQs over the years.
He has also looked after the first team meals for the last 4 years with his fellow chef Mario Campbell- a role he promises not to relinquish.
On field
Bruce never played Football however joined up with ig New Lynn business (‘STAMETCO’), partner and friend Harold Jackson from the Grey Lynn club and assisted in the administrative area.
Off Field
- Joineed Grey Lynn Utd Football Club in late 1940s as a Senior Committee member.
- Senior Committee Chairperson and Secretary for Grey Lynn Utd Football Club, Grey Lynn Comrades Utd football Club and Grey Lynn AFC.
- Vice President for Grey Lynn AFC and Grey Lynn Celtic.
- Honorary Auditor for Grey Lynn AFC and WSAFC.
- Former Mayor of New Lynn for 9 years ( 1977 -1986)
- One of the former Grey Lynn club members instrumental in setting up the purchase of Grey Lynn clubrooms on Gt North Road opposite MOTAT.
- Sixty plus years later Bruce still retains an interest in the club.
Family Connections
Two sons Stephen and John both played Midgets and Juniors for Grey Lynn AFC. Grandson Cody played Junior and Youth football.
On Field
Joined Comrades AFC in 1951 as Midget player playing Under 8’s. Junior and Senior Team player for Grey Lynn AFC.
Reserve Premier Senior Team Player Coach for Grey Lynn AFC. Over 30s Senior Team player for WSAFC.
Colin only played one year away from the respective founding clubs (Eden Premier reserves 1965).
Off Field
- Midget Team Coach for Grey Lynn AFC based at Walker Park from 1967 and then Western Springs grounds from 1976 to 1984.
- Junior Team Coach for Grey Lynn AFC and Pt Chevalier AFC.
- Junior Team Manager for Grey Lynn AFC and Pt Chevalier AFC.
- Junior Committee member for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Senior Committee member for both Grey Lynn AFC and WSAFC.
- Senior Committee Secretary and Social Committee Chairman for Grey Lynn AFC Treasurer for Senior Committee WSAFC
- Honorary Auditor for both Grey Lynn AFC and WSAFC.
- Building Committee member WSAFC Clubrooms at Seddon Fields and Grey Lynn Celtic. Management Committee and Bar Manager for WSAFC.
- Founding organiser of “Central Midgets” in 1976, based at Western Springs Stadium – outside fields and starting with 2 divisions of 8 teams (11 aside teams) in each division. Coordinator of “Central Midgets” Competition for 10 years up to 1985 before handing over to Margaret Oldfield (Junior Chairperson) of the Pt Chevalier AFC. Colin was instrumental in changing “Central Midgets” to a 7 player team format along with friendly competitions for all age groups Under 9’s and below (no points).
- Involved in pre WSAFC amalgamtion progress and developments of Grey Lynn Celtic and Pt Chevalier clubs proposal.
Family Connections
- Wife Lynette involved in Junior Committee at Grey Lynn AFC and Junior delegate tat Auckland JFA meetings.
- Son Troy played Midget and Junior football at Grey Lynn AFC and Pt Chevalier AFC.
- Son Nathan played Midgets (1981) and Junior Football at Grey Lynn AFC and Senior football at WSAFC, finishing at over 30s in 2006.
- Mother Mavis (deceased 1980) Life Member of Grey Lynn AFC and Junior Committee Secretary for 26 years.
- Father Bob (deceased 1981) Senior Committee member and Junior Coach of Grey Lynn AFC. Brothers Brian (Juniors and Seniors) and Ron (Juniors) played for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Brother Gary is also a Life Member (see separate listing).
On Field
Originally came to NZ from England in 1973, staying until 1975. Then returned to NZ via Australia in 1981. Senior player for WSAFC.
Off Field
- Joined Grey Lynn AFC in 1983 as Midget Coach. Junior Coach for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Junior Committee member at Grey Lynn AFC. Junior Chairperson at Grey Lynn AFC.
- Junior Secretary at Grey Lynn AFC.
- Senior Committee member for WSAFC.
- Senior Committee Secretary for 10 years at WSAFC.
- Bar Manager at WSAFC.
- Summer League 7 aside referee.
- Long time loyal supporter of Nottingham Forest in the English Football League.
Family Connections
Son Daniel played Midgets and Juniors for Grey Lynn AFC. Daniel played Juniors and Seniors for WSAFC.
On Field
Des has only played for for the founding clubs in all his years of playing football. Joined Grey Lynn Comrades AFC in 1952 as a Midget player (Under 8’s). Junior and Senior Team player for Grey Lynn AFC.
Off Field
- Junior Team Coach for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Junior Committee member for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Senior Team Coach for Grey Lynn AFC (4th Division runners up in 1983 Diamond Jubilee year).
- Senior Club Captain at Grey Lynn.
- Senior Committee member for both Grey Lynn AFC and WSAFC.
- Chairperson for Senior Committee WSAFC.
- Management Committee member and Bar Manager for WSAFC.
- Building Coordinator on clubrooms for both Grey Lynn and WSAFC redevelopment work on bar and kitchen facilities.
Family Connections
- Wife Jeanette ran kitchen at WSAFC Moa St Clubrooms. Son Mark played Juniors for WSAFC.
- Des’ Father Bob (deceased 1971) also played for Comrades Seniors and was a junior Coach for Grey Lynn AFC.
On Field
- Joined Comrades AFC in 1951 as Midget player, playing Under 9’s. Junior and Senior player for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Senior team player and Auckland Senior B representative.
- Over 30’s Senior team player for WSAFC.
- Gary only played three years away from Founding clubs. (Eden Premier reserves 1964-66)
Off Field
- Junior Coach for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Junior Delegate for Grey Lynn AFC at Auckland JFA Meetings. Senior Reserve Team player Coach for Grey Lynn AFC. Senior Committee member Grey Lynn AFC.
- Social Committee and Bar Manager for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Junior referee for AJFA for 3 years.
- Auckland Soccer magazine correspondent for Grey Lynn AFC.
Family Connections
- Son Brent played Midget and Junior Football at Grey Lynn AFC.
- Mother Mavis (deceased 1980) Life Member of Grey Lynn AFC and Junior Secretary for 26 years. Father Bob (deceased 1981) Senior Committee member and Junior Coach.
- Brothers Brian (Juniors and Seniors) and Ron (Juniors) played for Grey Lynn AFC.
- Brother Colin is also a Life Member (see separate listing)
On field
- Gary never played football however his father in law was Johnny Anderson a founding member of the Pt Chevalier club in 1943.
- Gary joined Pt Chevalier AFC in 1974 as a supporter.
Off Field
- Senior and Junior Team manager for Pt Chevalier AFC. Senior Committee member for Pt Chevalier AFC. Chairperson for Senior Committee for Pt Chevalier AFC. Club Photographer for Pt Chevalier AFC and WSAFC.
Family connections
- Son Bradley played Midgets and Juniors for Pt Chevalier AFC
On Field
- Joined Grey Lynn AFC in 1965 as a Junior player – 4th grade Under 18 (previously played for Ponsonby AFC).
- Played Senior Team and Reserve Grade football for Grey Lynn AFC. Played also for Senior Team of Ellerslie AFC.
- Played Over 30’s for Grey Lynn Celtic.
Off Field
Senior Team Coach & Manager for Grey Lynn AFC. Club Captain, Junior Team Coach and Senior Committee member for Grey Lynn AFC.
Family Connections
Geoff left New Zealand in 1989 with his wife Marie and lives on the Gold Coast, Australia. Upon his resturn visits to New Zealand Geoff regularly keeps in touch by having a quiet drink at the bar.
Grant has been a member of the WSAFC since around 2005, registering his son Tom that year and volunteer coaching his team from 5th grade.
Volunteer Coach – 10-12 years between 2005 and 2016
Grade Coordinator – 5 years between 2006 and 2014. Often coordinating multiple grades
Junior Committee – 5 years between 2010 and 2014
He was the person who took on the leadership of the NZF Whole of Football plan implementation for the Junior section of the club.
Executive Committee – 9 years between 2009 and 2018
Grant served as Treasurer on the Inaugural Executive Committee from November 2009. He was elected to the position of Chairman of the Executive Committee in 2014 and was in that position for 4 years stepping down at the 2018 AGM. Grant was part of the leadership team who secured the Building extension in 2011 and the installation of Artificial turf in 2013.
His son Charlie continues to play for the club, whilst his older son Tom has now moved onto University. Grant continues to play for the Over 45’s Galacticos team.
Off Field
Joanne was the chairperson of the Junior club for over 10 years.
She was the Junior Club representative to the AFF for over 12 years, she also served on the AFF Grading Committee for many years.
She ran the Junior Club Cluster competition for the central Auckland clubs since its inception, also for over 10 years, until the NZF Whole Of Football program was introduced.
Joanne then took on the coordinating and running of the Junior Whole of Football program for the club involving tireless effort and commitment.
She continued to be the entry level grade coordinator for 5-year old’s for many years.
She was for many years the person who opened the club up on Saturday mornings, organized fields for teams to play on and been responsible for getting all junior and youth results in every weekend.
Joanne was part of the working group who devoted many hours to updating the club constitution throughout 2009 and since then has continued on as the Executive Committee Secretary and is still constantly on-call and heavily involved in day to day decision making at the club.
John emigrated from Holland to Wellington in 1952 and worked initially for NZ railways before shifting to the coalmines of Huntly.
In 1966 returned to Holland and met his future wife Mien and subsequently they were married in Auckland in 1967.
On Field
Played senior Team football at Huntly Thistle AFC from 1954 to 1963. Joined Pt Chevalier AFC in mid 1970s as a junior parent and supporter.
Off Field
Senior Committee member for WSAFC
Building Committee member
Management Committee member
‘Jack of all trades’ who took the interests of the club to heart both on and off the playing field.
WSAFC Verkley Trophy is named in honour of John. This is awarded each year to a Junior Club administrator for their hardwork. John was always supportive of those ‘behind the scenes administrators’
Family Connections
Son Anthony played Midgets and Juniors for Pt Chevalier AFC (lates 70s)
Son Stephen played Midgets and Juniors for Pt Chevalier AFC and Senior football for Western Springs AFC.
Keith has been a member of the club for over 20 years.
He has been involved in coaching junior teams for many years and has progressed to coaching youth and latterly senior teams.
Keith served for many years on the junior committee and was heavily involved in the development of the current Seddon Fields clubrooms being on the building committee in 1997 which helped get the club where it is today.
His knowledge of the building industry proved invaluable then and is again being utilized now with Keith driving the current building expansion committee.
Keith is also heavily involved in maintaining the technical contacts of the building including the Building WOF and fire compliance.
On Field
Joined Comrades AFC in 1948 as a team supporter of Senior team player/ husband Davie Laird and eventually elected onto Junior Committee.
Off Field
Junior Committee secretary for founding clubs Comrades AFC and Grey Lynn Comrades AFC and then finally for Grey Lynn AFC for over 10 years until 1958.
Senior Committee Secretary for Grey Lynn AFC for 15 years from 1959 – 1973.
Lena still takes and interest in the Club and lives in retirement at Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula with her daughter Denise.
Family Connections
Husband and former Life Member Davie (deceased 1998) joined Comrades in 1930 as a Junior player and played through the grades up to the Senior team for Comrades until 1952. Davie was also the Senior Coach and the Club Captain (for 15 years) and on the Senior Committee for Comrades, Grey Lynn Comrades and Grey Lynn AFC. Davie was also an official AJFA referee.
Grandchildren play football in Te Kuiti.
On Field
He has been a member of the WSAFC for over 25 years. He joined the club in 1992. He played for the first team and reserves.
On stepping down from serious football he has organized a team in Senior age grade football for the last 15 years.
Off Field
He has served on the Senior committee for more than 15 years. He served as Senior Chairman for 3 years. He served on the Executive Committee, also for 3 years.
In all his time on the senior committee he has served at First team liaison and gear organizer.
He also assisted the first team coach with the reserves team under Brent Woods.
He has coached Junior and Youth teams. For the last 7 years he has been coaching a youth team while not having a child in the team.
He is a constant, cheerful presence at the club and has for a number of years been the person cooking the Thursday night meals for the Women’s and men’s first team.
He currently also serves on, and is a member of, the Evergreens.
On Field
Martin joined the club in 1997. When he joined from the University Club he played a number of seasons, before bringing the Royal team to the Club in 2002, a team he still plays for when his travel commitments allow.
Off Field
Martin started coaching in 2000, coaching his son Chris in Junior and Youth teams from 6th to 15th grade, and then co-coaching his son Elliot from 9th grade.
His wife, Mary-Jane, was a Grade Co-Ordinator for the Club for 10 years, keeping club support with-in the family.
Martin joined the Junior committee in 2003, and was Junior Club Captain for 2 years.
He then served on the Senior committee for 3 years.
On completion of the new Club Constitution in November 2009 Martin was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee, and served as Chairman for 5 years, In this time he was instrumental in helping drive many of the recent initiatives including the Clubrooms extensions and Artificial turf installation which have put us in the excellent position we find ourselves today as a Club
Martin is still an active playing member for his beloved WSAFC Royal Over 40’s team.
On Field
Joined Pt Chevalier AFC inc in 1967 as a Senior Team Player and played Senior team and Reserve team football into his late 40s.
Previously Ron had played for Auckland Teachers College and in 1962 for Eastern Suburbs AFC senior team after emigrating from Manchester, England after meeting Charlie Dempsey (Eastern Suburbs stalwart, Auckland Football Chairman, and World Cup Oceania fame) on board the ship.
In England had previously played for Oldham Athletic (old English second division) and Rochdale (third division).
Also played Over 30’s for Glenfield AFC at the age of 63.
Off Field
Midget and Junior Team coach for Pt Chevalier AFC.
Senior Team and Reserve Grade Coach for Pt Chevalier AFC.
Senior Committee member for both Pt Chevalier AFC and WSAFC. Official Referee and regular Summer League 7 aside ref at Seddon Fields.
Family Connections
Wife Dorothy was involved in the Social Committee of Pt Chevalier AFC. Son Rob played Midgets and Juniors for Pt Chevalier AFC.
Daughter Joanne is a Life Member of WSAFC (2009), was Junior Committee Chairperson for 14 years and is currently an Executive Committee member. Joanne originally played hockey and then founded Secondary girls soccer at Avondale College.
Son in law Rob previously WSAFC Senior Committee member and Treasurer and Auckland Football Official Referee.
Grand-children also play for WSAFC up to Senior Team level.
Ron basically lived and breathed football each Saturday in the good old days from morning to night.
On field
Joined Comrades Football club in 1947 as a Midget player. Played Midget footbll for Comrades at Auckland football headquarters at Blanford Park, Grafton Valley.
Junior player for Comrades, Grey Lynn Comrades and Gey Lynn clubs.
Under 18 Auckland Schoolboy representative and played for the Mt Albert Grammar 1st XI. Played Senior Team and Reserve Grade football for Grey Lynn AFC.
Off Field
Senior Committee member,Treasurer, Senior Club Captain, Junior Team Coach, Junior Committee member and JMC delegate club representative for Grey Lynn AFC.
One of the former club members instrumental in setting up the purchase of the Grey Lynn clubrooms on Gt North Road opposite MOTAT.
Actively involved in Pt Chevalier Lions for whom he has been a member for over 35 years.
Family Connections
Mother Mrs Agnes Courtenay (deceased 2004) was also a Junior Committee member of Grey Lynn AFC.
Brother, Don played Juniors for Grey Lynn Comrades AFC. Stan lives with his wife Ngaire in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland.
On Field
- Joined Pt Chevalier AFC in 1970 as a Junior player.
- Played Senior Team football for Pt Chevalier AFC and WSAFC. Representative player for Auckland (Under 19).
- Played for Senior Team Metro AFC.
- Reserve Grade Player Coach for Pt Chevalier AFC.
- Currently plays in WSAFC Over 30s team.
Off Field
- Junior team coach for Pt Chevalier AFC
- Junior and Youth coach for WSAFC
- Woman’s senior team coach at Mt Roskill AFC (now Three Kings AFC) Senior Committee member at WSAFC
- President and Chairperson at WSAFC
- Building Committee Chairperson at WSAFC
- Management Committee Chairperson for WSAFC
Family Connections
- Son Thomas played juniors and currently youth for WSAFC
- Father Geoff (deceased 1987) was President of the Senior Committee and a Life Member of Pt Chevalier AFC.
On Field
- Joined Grey Lynn AFC in 1978 as a Senior player.
- Played for Manukau City in 1978 and Manawatu League from 1979 to 1983.
- Rejoined Grey Lynn Celtic in 1983. Played Senior Team and Reserve Grade football for Grey Lynn Celtic.
- Played Over 30’s for WSAFC.
- Currently player and manager of a WSAFC Over 35 team.
Off field
- Senior Team Coach for Grey Lynn AFC
- Joint Club Captain in 1989 for amalgameted WSAFC.
- Senior Committee member for Grey Lynn AFC and WSAFC.
- Chairman of Senior Committee for Grey Lynn AFC and WSAFC.
- Bar Manager at Grey Lynn AFC
- Junior Team Coach for Grey Lynn AFC
- Involved in the amalgamtion progress and developments of Grey Lynn Celtic and Pt Chevalier clubs proposal.
- Also involved in the set up of WSAFC Senior Team. Steve was instrumental os securing the services of Senior players Jack Winters and Kevin Birch (ex All White player) as Player Coaches.
Family Connections
Son Paul played Midget and Junior Football for WSAFC
On Field
Joined WSAFC in 1990 as a Junior parent and supporter.
Off Field
- Junior Committee member for WSAFC.
- Treasurer for Junior Committee.
- Junior Team manager.
- Management Committee member for WSAFC.
- Secretary for Management Committee.
- Involved with Pt Chevalier Athletic Running Club as Treasurer and currently officiates at Auckland Senior running meets.
Family Connections
Son Andrew played for 1990-1999 in the Midgets and Juniors. Son Graham played from 1991 -1998 in the Midgets and Juniors. Thelma lives locally with husband John in Pt Chevalier.
On Field
- He has been a member of the WSAFC since 1990, playing first team and reserves to start with.
- He graduated to first team assistant coach/Manager under Kevin Birch on retiring from football.
- He has continued to play age grade football since retiring from 1st team football in over 30/35’s grades.
- He also stepped up to coach the 1st team in the Chatham cup, at very short notice.
Off Field
- He has served on the following committees:
- Senior Committee for over 10 years including 5 years as Senior club captain and 2 years as Senior Chairman.
- He was the Chairman of the Building Extension Committee for a period of 2 years from formation to completion.
- He has coached Junior and Youth teams, for more than 5 years including his 2 sons ’s teams.
- His 2 sons – Ian and Scott continue to play first team football at this time.
- He is a member of the Evergreens club, and has been a handle club member since its creation.
