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In 1977 Women’s Soccer Queensland (WSQ) struck out to attain a field.
Hamilton Junior Soccer Club sold their assets at Pinkenba to the WSQ for $400. The grounds and Clubhouse quickly became Headquarters, but Brisbane City Council leased the land to the local Labour Branch a year later.
Lord Mayor, Frank Sleeman offered WSQ Atlanta Field, Geebung instead. Plans were drawn up for football pitches, dressing rooms, equipment storage and a canteen.
Leonie Young (nee Yow Yeh) started playing football in 1977. She was the first Indigenous female to play in the Mitchelton Seniors, one of, if not, the first to play in the elite Brisbane Women’s competition, and the first Indigenous woman to play for Queensland – she played between 1980 and 1983.
Alongside her Mum, Iris, Leonie was instrumental in bringing Tiwiwarrin, Brisbane’s first Indigenous football team, into being.
They played as a club in City leagues for almost 20 years.
IN FRED ROBINS THEY FOUND A COACH WHO UNDERSTOOD THE GAME AND HIS PLAYERS ENOUGH TO HELP THEM CHANGE FOOTBALL FOREVER IN BRISBANE.
His place as Matildas coach of the decade (79-89) is well earned. He was inducted into the FFA hall of fame in 2002.
Prior to the Women’s World Cup (1991) and Women’s Olympic Football (1996), this Invitational was one of the most prestigious women’s football events in the world. Organised by the Taipei Football Association, the competition’s success put pressure on FIFA. Elaine Watson was instrumental in getting the Matildas into the tournament.
Australia competed in the first Oceania Cup in 1983 where the Australian team was the runner up.
In 1988, the Australian team travelled to Taipei, Taiwan to compete (the 1988 Australian team is pictured on the right. Then in 1989, it was held in Perry Park, Brisbane. Australia entered two teams in 1989, the Green (A) and Gold (B) teams (both pictured on the right). Many fans turned out to watch the final between Taiwan and New Zealand despite the rain. Taiwan ended up taking out the cup (winning team pictured on right).
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the events presented in this digital history occurred and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their continuing connection to land and waterways as well as their rich history of sports and significant continuing contribution to football.
