This information is based on the historical account of Wallsend Football Club collected by Allan James Russell and John Grahame Kemp. The club is endlessly grateful for the effort put into managing this information, keeping the history of club alive.
THE EARLY YEARS [1887-1920]
The early years saw the establishment of one of the first clubs in Australia and the second in the current Northern NSW Football Association. It also saw some disruptions due to the First World War but continued with strength beyond the war.
Between the 1st and 14th July 1887, the first team formed at Wallsend to enter the Northern District British Football Association (N.D.B.F.A.) premiership. The local enthusiasts had seen a game played at nearby Minmi and decided that Wallsend should have its own team, which they named “Rovers”. The meeting to make this decision was held in the parlour of the Metropolitan Hotel, which stood on the corner of the now Nelson and Boscawen Streets.
The original club colours consisted of red shirts with gold sash, white shorts and red and white socks. The club’s home games were held at Wallsend Reserve which is now known as Wallsend Park. From these humble beginnings was born one of Australia’s best known clubs.
In 1889, Wallsend Football Club (W.F.C.) won its first major trophy in the Ellis Cup knockout series, with a meritorious 3-2 win against the Minmi Rangers in the final. 1890 saw a major depression in the coal industry, miners went out on strike against wage reductions and the further decline in the coal industry the following year had a marked effect on Football in Newcastle and the Coalfields areas. 1900 saw W.F.C. win their first Minor Premiership.
During these years the W.F.C. had seen some changes that have carried through to the game as it is played today. The umpires and line-umpires were given the titles of referees and linesmen, the use of nets and goalposts, and the penalty kick were all introduced. The first ever penalty-kick in Australia was awarded to Wallsend in a game against Adamstown Football Club. As soon as the penalty had been awarded, a large number of supporters invaded the playing field.