Lilli Pilli FC AA1
Lilli Pilli Junior Soccer Club was formed in 1961 to enter competitions run by the Sutherland Shire Junior Soccer Football Association (SSJSFA). It is based in Lilli Pilli, New South Wales, Australia.
History
The formation of Lilli Pilli soccer club can be attributed mainly to the work of Cliff Horsley, whose untiring efforts during 1960 and early 1961 prepared the ground work for the formation of a soccer club in the Lilli Pilli area. At the first annual general meeting was held in the pavilion on Lilli Pilli oval on 3 March 1961. The “Berries” was formed as an offshoot from Caringbah Rangers Soccer Club, and in its inaugural year the club managed to field just 5 teams.
In 1961 the oval was an unfenced, bumpy, sparsely grassed area. Concrete air raid shelters had been constructed there during World War II and remained for some time. Later a transmitting tower for radio station 2UE was a prominent landmark in the area.
Registrations for 1961 totaled 63 players across the 5 teams. The early pioneering years were difficult as the club struggled to establish itself and it was not until 1963 that we achieved our first premiership win with our 9B team. In 1968 the first all age team represented the Club, and in 1977, the first ladies football team represented the Club.
Since then the club has achieved many successes in the local competition; State Cups and Champion of Champions, but, more importantly, the club has given many thousands of children and adults the opportunity to play and enjoy football, which is reflected in the steady and consistent growth in the number of teams playing for the Berries.
In 2002, the clubs 42nd year of operation, Lilli Pilli fielded a record 90 teams, so we have certainly come a long way from our humble beginnings in 1961.
Recent Times
Lilli Pilli has expanded from its original one-field homeground, known as Lilli Pilli Oval, to include other fields in the local area such as Woolooware High School, Caringbah Oval, Solander Fields, Captain Cook Oval and Breen Park. Currently Lilli Pilli is the largest club, in the largest association in Australia. In 2007 it entered 104 teams, with over 70 in competition grades and player numbers were over 1400.
In 2006, members voted to rename the club from "Lilli Pilli Junior Soccer Club" to "Lilli Pilli Football Club" or more simply "Lilli Pilli F.C." Also in 2006, plans began to be drawn up to redevelop the existing Clubhouse; including change rooms and a second story on the clubhouse.
Current Squad
The Lilli Pilli Premier League squad is one of the youngest in the league, first entering the Division 1 league in 2008 after a successful season in 2007 that resulted in a 21A's Minor Premiership, Premiership, Robertson Cup Finalists and HBA Champions of Champions Premiers.
With the majority of squad members in 2008 exceeding the legal age limit for the under 21's competition, the decision was made to apply for a position in the premier association football division, known as "All Age 1", now renamed as the "Sutherland Shire Premier League".
Staff
- Chairman - Greg Storey
- Coach - David Paget
- Coach - David Smith
- Chief Manager - Ian Pickering
- Secretary - Steve Willett
- Treasurer - Helen Evans
- Chief Scout - Savy Pech
Sutherland Shire Premier League History
Season 2008
Finished 7th in a competition compiled of 10 teams.
Played 18 - WON 6 - DREW 5 - LOST 7 - FOR 27 - AGAINST 26 - PTS 23
Season 2009
Currently 1st after 6 rounds.
Played 6 - WON 6 - DREW 0 - LOST 0 - FOR 18 - AGAINST 1 - PTS 18