Overview
Published by Football Victoria in November 2009, The Story of Football in Victoria was written by Roy Hay and Ian Syson, and as the title suggests, provides a short introduction to the history of football in Victoria. Commissioned by the President of Football Victoria at the time, the late Tony Dunkerley, the publication formed part of a series of positive initiatives aimed at honouring the history and heritage of football, with the establishment of a Historical Committee in 2008 and the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony in 2010. A limited print run accompanied the publication in 2009, but it has never seen the light of day in digital form - until now.
Reprising some of the imagery included in the original publication, each chapter has been brought to life on the FV History and Heritage website, with additional narrative provided by Tony Persoglia, who has updated a number of sections to cover the period since 2009, as well as providing a broader depth to the story of the Women's game. The original Foreword is included below, a fascinating time capsule on the state of the game at the time, with a lofty vision of producing a full-scale history of football in Victoria in the very near future. It is hoped that the launch of the History and Heritage website in 2022 will be the first step in bringing that vision to life.
Foreword
The history of football in Victoria is one of constant change and no period has experienced more of it than the present. At Football Federation Victoria we are in the process of implementing a strategic plan which grew out of the Crawford Report and the major structural reforms of the game which it recommended. Our new structure involves eight metropolitan and four country zones, with the new Victorian Champions League, the showcase of the summer competition, now in its second year. Participation has grown by 18 per cent in the last two years and once again we need new and expanded facilities and funding to cope with the demand. Frank Lowy AC, Chairman of Football Federation Australia, recently met the FFV Board of Directors and complimented us on our plans and aim to have all Victorian represented in the game. He also thanked us for our support for the World Cup bid.
At a time of exciting change and with a bright future, it is appropriate to ensure we remember our past. Who is not excited by the great games and great players who have played in and for this state and country over the years? I am sure we are all impressed with the pioneering spirit of people who drive change and create progress, development, goodwill and the integration of all races and sexes. Our Historical Committee has overseen the production of this short introduction to the history of the game in Victoria, which we hope will encourage you to assist and join in our plan to have a full-scale history written in the very near future. My thanks to Belinda Wilson, Maggie Koumi, Ted Smith, Damian Smith, Tony Persoglia and the authors of The Story of Football in Victoria, Roy Hay and Ian Syson.
Tony Dunkerley
President, Football Federation Victoria
27 November 2009