Our Proud History

In February 1975 A small group of Italian Australians headed by Silvio Canale attended a meeting with the view of forming a new club, a club that would embrace and reflect the social, cultural and sporting needs of the growing community.

A formal committee was established to find a suitable playing field and aggressively lobby the Far North Queensland Soccer Federation to enter both a 1st Division and Reserve grade team into the local competition.

After council application, the club was appointed a parcel of swampy land at Buchan St. and was finally granted acceptance into the league in February 1976.

The allocated field was in poor condition and required considerable land fill and top soil to make the surface playable. For those who can remember, the "original clubhouse" was indeed John Bomben's corrugated iron demountable construction shed. It had to be assembled and disassembled each week along with the amenities (two thunder-box toilets) .The average age of the players topped nearly forty, there was no seating, no shade and  patrons sat in their cars or set up deck chairs on the sidelines to watch the game.

From these humble beginnings and at times what seemed to be against all odds, Leichhardt slowly began to exert its authority in the local league, powered by an ambitious committee and a wealth of talented young players that flocked to the club.

The 1976 inaugural season brought  mixed results for the 1st Division  team however the Reserve Grade made its own mark by taking out the Reserve Grade Premiership and Grand Final.

1977 saw a major strengthening of the club with the mass defection of players from both Stratford and Edge Hill. This was the catalyst that propelled Leichhardt to dominate the Cairns soccer league for the next 15 years.

Early Time Line

1976 : Leichhardt Soccer Club was foundered in February 1976 – named after our electoral district. First official game in March 1976. Won Reserve Grade Premiership and Grand  Final in first year.

1977: First major trophy was FA Cup defeating Stratford 3-2 followed by Grand Final win 3-0 over Stratford. First junior team  (under 10) was formed.

1978: First women’s team formed. Purchased 2 hectare of land at White Rock, required over 20,000 m3 of land fill to shape and mould playing surface. Reserve Grade Premiership.

1979: Reserve Grade Premiership.

1980: Field officially opened on June 13th by Catholic Priest Father John Lizio. First ever Premiership win followed by first ever Crad Evans Shield. FA Cup win.. Reserve Grade Premiership. Walpamuir Cup.

1981:  FA Cup. Reserve Grade Grand Final.

1982: Reserve Grade Premiership. North Qld Champions-Reserve Grade.

1983: Clubhouse completed and officially opened by Julie Parker (reigning Miss Queensland) on 16th July 1983 . Reserve Grade Grand Final.

1985: FA Cup win over Stratford . Reserve Grade Premiership and Grand Final.

1986: Premiership win over Mareeba 2-1,Grand Final win over Mareeba 2-1,Crad Evans win 5-4 over Olympics (Penalty shoot out) Reserve Grade Premiership.

1987: Premiership win over Stratford 4-0, Davin Sakach scoring a hat trick, Reserve Grade Premiership, Grand Final Reserve Grade.

1988: Premiership, Grand Final ,Northern League Champions, Crad Evans Shield. Reserve Grade Premiership.

1989: Greatest achievement as the first club to win all senior Premierships.(1st Div / Res /Youth ).4 consecutive premierships for 1st Division, 3 consecutive Reserve Grade premierships, Reserve Grade Grand Final.

1997: Senior Men's Premiership.

Recent Achievements

2006:Men Premiership, Grand Finalist, North Qld Champions (Crad Evans Shield )

2003~2007: 5 Consecutive Women's Premierships. Grand Final winners 2005,2006,North Qld Champions 2006

2008 : 2nd Division Premiers, FNQ Champions ,NQ Champions. Ladies Grand Finalist, Reserve Grade Grand Finalist.

2009 : Youth Grade FNQ Grand Final winners. Premier Division Grand Finalists. Women's FNQ Premiers. Women's Grand Finalists

2010 : Women's/Ladies Premiers and Grand Finalists, Reserve Grade Grand Final Winners(FNQ Champions) Jimmy Ezses 2010 FNQ Football Hall of Fame.

2011: Women's/Ladiies Premiers,Grand Final winners and NQ Champions. Men's Third Division Premiers and Grand Final Winners.

North Queensland Champions - Mens (Crad Evans Shield) 2006,1992,1988,1986,1980. Since the clubs foundation 30 years ago, Leichhardt has won the title 5 times, followed by Mareeba and Stratford 3 times, Marlin Coast twice with Innisfail and Edge Hill each having a single inscription.

Did You Know......???

The Name ?

The clubs original name was in fact "Azzurri-Leichhardt", Azzurri (blue) being the Italian national team colours and "Leichhardt" being our local federal electoral district .

Club Colours ?

The initial club colours in accordance with the original constitution were in fact sky blue and white ( blue shirts , white shorts and white socks with red and green trimmings ). The club later progressed to blue and red jerseys before settling on predominately red and black attire which were the business colours of the clubs major sponsor during the early eighties (Trinity Smash Repairs)

Original team members ?

Frank Mauro, Silvio Canale, Robert Borgo, Lino Toffolutti, Bob Paolatto, Ivan Rogina, Brian Cassey, Mario Cortessi, Alfio Raciti, Vince Bellino, Nick Peluchhi, Tony Campitelli, John Bomben, Angelo Borzi, Santo Raciti ,Peter Bond, Tony Hales, F Tomenic, Cliff Waite ,Gordon Pecotic, Fred Burke , J Mindenhall.

Original Committee ?

G Margiotta (President) A Borzi, S Canale, A Laspina, N Pelucchi, J Bomben, Frank Mauro, Lino Toffolutti, T Campitelli. The first coach was Vince Bellino Snr.

Always seeking more information, articles, photos, memorabilia........

 

E-mail us at leichhardtfc@tpg.com.au