Helensburgh Thistles celebrate 130th year
Formed in 1895 by local mine workers and townspeople, the club quickly became a cornerstone of Helensburgh life
By Chris Tangye, Senior President of the Helensburgh Thistles Soccer Club
Helensburgh Thistles Soccer Club proudly celebrated its 130-year anniversary this year.
To put that into perspective, the Thistles were founded just 38 years after Sheffield FC, the world’s first football club, was established in 1857. This makes Helensburgh’s team older than European giants Juventus, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid – a remarkable achievement for a small mining town an hour south of Sydney.
Formed in 1895 by local mine workers and townspeople, the club quickly became a cornerstone of Helensburgh life. Early matches were played at makeshift grounds including Proud Park, Recreation Park and Walker Street Oval (where Francis St currently meets Walker St).
Founding teams included “Struggle Town”, “The Townies” and “Top Town” as well as a combined Lilyvale and Otford team, and by 1903, the foundation year of the Illawarra Football Association, the Thistles’ First Grade side completed an entire season undefeated, winning both the first and second grade competitions in that inaugural year.
Through the early 20th century, the club flourished. In 1923 the Thistles claimed the Illawarra District Soccer Association Second Division Premiership, and they were a founding member (and winner of that first competition) of the Illawarra School Boys competition when it was established in 1948. Helensburgh were also a foundation member of the Sutherland Shire Football Association formed in 1952.
1927’s Premiership winners; today’s Helensburgh U10 Purple team
Today, Helensburgh Thistles remain a thriving community club, home to more than 650 players across junior and senior teams. From our highly regarded “Mini Thistles” program for three- to five-year-olds to the senior Premier League squads, the club’s vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all players to thrive.
As we reflect on 130 years of community football, it’s important to remember the countless players who have pulled on the yellow and black jersey across generations. Imagine what they’ve achieved and witnessed – through world wars, the Great Depression and decades of social change.
When current players pull on the Thistles jersey, they’re not just wearing a shirt, they’re contributing to a historical legacy that goes back over 100 years.
From humble beginnings to today, when Rex Jackson Oval is a thriving celebration of football on weekends, the past 130 years have embodied all that the club stands for: proud, welcoming and ready to serve the community for years to come.
Well done to a champion of women’s sport
Helensburgh Thistles Soccer Club’s long-time volunteer Gill Lehn has been recognised by Football South Coast with the Dot Reed Stephenson Award for her outstanding contribution to women’s football in the Illawarra.
A dedicated member for 15 years, Gill has served on the committee for a decade and as Junior President for the past six.
She has been a driving force behind the growth of female participation, both as an organiser and as a player in the Over 30 Women’s team.
A passionate advocate for community football and proud mum to four Thistles Premier League players, Gill’s award is fitting recognition of her inspirational leadership.
