THE STORY
The Western Reds touch football team was established in September, 2000, and joined the Westmead Touch Association for the 2000/2001 season.
Originally playing under the name of Toongabbie for the first two seasons, they recorded losses of 12-0 and 14-0 consecutively in their first two matches. It would take the team nearly two seasons to win a game, which came late in their second season.
The name Western Reds was voted on for season 2002/2003, to associate the team with their red shirts and western Sydney heritage. Playing under a new name, the Reds narrowly missed a finals berth.
2003/2004 saw a mass exodus of players, with only five of thirteen players re-signing from the previous season. The club recruited a number of key players and, with fresh talent and enthusiasm spearheading the way, played their first ever finals match.
The following three seasons were relatively successful, with finals appearances in each. At the time, 2005/2006 was undoubtedly the clubs most successful season, which included several big wins, and a Grand Final appearance.
2006/2007 saw a change in the clubs jersey. Gone were the original plain red tee’s, replaced by a more professional looking tri-colour shirt which included white with black stripes. The Reds also farewelled veterans Steven Dearth and Brendon Solomons after six seasons of service.
Making a move to the inner west, season 2007/2008 saw the team compete in the Balmain Association, a move welcomed by players and fans alike. The season provided mixed results, as the boys struggled to find their feet in the superior competition, which was highlighted by a record 23-2 loss.
2008/2009 signified a huge turn around for the Reds, with a number of solid results on the field including a 17-0 win. Luke Foord scored 23 tries, whilst the team returned to semi finals football after finishing 3rd on the ladder.
Season 2009/2010 marked the 10th season of the Western Reds. The team commemorated the achievement with a new playing strip, logo and website. The Reds also announced sponsorship deals with Paramount Lawyers and Jovin Media and took on a squad of 15 full time players. Despite being bundled out of the semi's, the Reds had completed their most successful season in their 10 year history, with 9 wins (including 6 in a row), and 113 team tries.
The Red's managed to complete season 2010/2011 on top of the table for the first time. But desite finishing 1st, history repeated itself when the Reds crashed out of the semi's for the third season in a row. A number of records were set during the season, including the Reds biggest ever win (22-4), whilst Pete Brouwer broke Luke Foord's try scoring record in the final game, with 25 tries for the season.
The team is built around camaraderie, mateship and of course fun, and has a strong following of loyal fans. In all, 57 players have graced the Reds jersey over 12 seasons. Club captain, Gavin Smith, is the only remaining player from the team's inaugural season 11 years ago, and along with Steven Dearth and Luke Foord, has won the prestigous ‘Player of the Season’ award twice.
The Western Reds touch football team was established in September, 2000, and joined the Westmead Touch Association for the 2000/2001 season.
Originally playing under the name of Toongabbie for the first two seasons, they recorded losses of 12-0 and 14-0 consecutively in their first two matches. It would take the team nearly two seasons to win a game, which came late in their second season.
The name Western Reds was voted on for season 2002/2003, to associate the team with their red shirts and western Sydney heritage. Playing under a new name, the Reds narrowly missed a finals berth.
2003/2004 saw a mass exodus of players, with only five of thirteen players re-signing from the previous season. The club recruited a number of key players and, with fresh talent and enthusiasm spearheading the way, played their first ever finals match.
The following three seasons were relatively successful, with finals appearances in each. At the time, 2005/2006 was undoubtedly the clubs most successful season, which included several big wins, and a Grand Final appearance.
2006/2007 saw a change in the clubs jersey. Gone were the original plain red tee’s, replaced by a more professional looking tri-colour shirt which included white with black stripes. The Reds also farewelled veterans Steven Dearth and Brendon Solomons after six seasons of service.
Making a move to the inner west, season 2007/2008 saw the team compete in the Balmain Association, a move welcomed by players and fans alike. The season provided mixed results, as the boys struggled to find their feet in the superior competition, which was highlighted by a record 23-2 loss.
2008/2009 signified a huge turn around for the Reds, with a number of solid results on the field including a 17-0 win. Luke Foord scored 23 tries, whilst the team returned to semi finals football after finishing 3rd on the ladder.
Season 2009/2010 marked the 10th season of the Western Reds. The team commemorated the achievement with a new playing strip, logo and website. The Reds also announced sponsorship deals with Paramount Lawyers and Jovin Media and took on a squad of 15 full time players. Despite being bundled out of the semi's, the Reds had completed their most successful season in their 10 year history, with 9 wins (including 6 in a row), and 113 team tries.
The Red's managed to complete season 2010/2011 on top of the table for the first time. But desite finishing 1st, history repeated itself when the Reds crashed out of the semi's for the third season in a row. A number of records were set during the season, including the Reds biggest ever win (22-4), whilst Pete Brouwer broke Luke Foord's try scoring record in the final game, with 25 tries for the season.
The team is built around camaraderie, mateship and of course fun, and has a strong following of loyal fans. In all, 57 players have graced the Reds jersey over 12 seasons. Club captain, Gavin Smith, is the only remaining player from the team's inaugural season 11 years ago, and along with Steven Dearth and Luke Foord, has won the prestigous ‘Player of the Season’ award twice.
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