Blacktown City Football Club, formerly ‘The Demons’ was founded in 1953 as Toongabbie Soccer Club and one such person that has seen all these changes since then has been club icon Don O’Regan.
Playing out of Gabbie Stadium in Seven Hills, the club has a long history, producing some quality players over their period of existence.
Photo: Don O’Regan shown with club legend Luke Roodenburg
Australian’s Robbie Slater, Matt Ryan, Mark Milligan, Adam Kwasnik Bernie Ibini, Luke Roodenburg and Joel Chianese have all worn the red and black.
As well as two English captains, Bobby Charlton who scored on debut in 1980, the first ever goal for the club in the national league. And in 1985 Kevin Keegan had a season with the club, also scoring on his debut.
Not only has Blacktown City produced some great players over their time, the club has also been very successful.
State League titles in 1999, 2000/ 2001, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2006, 2007 and as well as champions in 2000, 2007, 2010 and in 2014 represent their consistent performances over a long period.
Blacktown City have not always just been a state league club though, playing in the national competition in the 1980, 81, 84, 85, 86, 89 and 89/90.
O’Regan, a lifetime supporter of the club for more than 38 years, recalls the days of playing in the national competition.
“Those days were very exciting, playing in the very first national sporting competition in Australia apart from cricket.
“1980, I think we started in the national competition, it was pretty difficult in those days, we managed to get relegated a few times without coming bottom of the table.
O’Regan has been the longest serving fan of Blacktown City and has continued his involvement in the club with different roles as time has passed.
“I started up as a supporter, then joined the committee, became president for 10 years and then I decided that it was time for someone else to have a go. I’d given 20 years and I always observed that there was always a lot of old people around when I first started and I thought I had reached the age where I really should make way for younger people.”
O’Regan who has a wealth of knowledge about the club recalls how the club originally got their colours.
“When choosing what colours the club would embrace, the decision came through a toss of a coin. One of the people involved at the time supported Everton and wanted blue, and the other person supported Stoke City and wanted red and white. The Stoke supporter won the toss and the colours became red black and white.”
Blacktown City has a long history and the continue to be a strong club these days, claiming the championship last season and are looking once again to claim the title this year after a solid start.
As O’Regan recalls, the success of last year still sits sweet.
“It was really good, winning the grand final and the Waratah cup, although we finished third in the league.”
O’Regan is the type of supporter that every club needs, putting so much time into the club, not doing it for fame or money, instead doing it for the love of the game.
Blacktown City wouldn’t be the club they are today without his involvement.
Heritage Round Details
Parramatta FC vs Blacktown City FC
3:15pm Sunday 14th June @ Melita Stadium
Tickets available at the gate (Adult $15, Concession $10)
– by Jack Hislop