Fri 9 Aug 2024 - Fri 9 Aug 2024

1 pm - 2 pm

Location

Lionel Bowen Library, Maroubra

Address

669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra

Spend an afternoon with local author and legendary soccer journalist Ted Simmons OAM to discuss his new book, 'Australian Soccer - From the Beginning.'

Australian Soccer - From the Beginning chronicles the rise of men’s and women’s soccer in Australia. This richly illustrated volume is filled with a wealth of facts, figures, fascinating insights and entertaining anecdotes about the evolution of the sport. Simmons, who spent 20 years compiling the book, noted that historians have generally overlooked the origins of soccer in Australia, leaving a notable absence of public knowledge.

While researching the history of the men's game dating to 1880 was relatively simple, Simmons found a disappointing lack of information about women's football. Coinciding with the inspired run of the Matildas that united a nation during the FIFA Women's World Cup late last year, this book contains little-known facts about the birth of women's football a century before.

"Until now we've had to go to Wikipedia for the jigsaw version of Australia's football history," stated Paul Wade, former Socceroos captain. "Now we've got the factual, passionate, lived and loved version. If I want to have a conversation about who we are, this'll be my go-to."

Ted Simmons OAM, is a former player, coach, official, journalist and referee who continued officiating junior soccer games well into his seventies. In addition to his Order of Australia Medal (OAM), he has been honoured with the Australian Sports Medal (ASM), NSW Government Long Service Medal and life membership of various club, state, national and international sporting organisations.

This is a free event, but bookings are essential.

Please RSVP to: lynne.clay@outlook.com

Supported event:
This event is held in support of the local author in partnership with Randwick City Library. The Library supports the author by publishing and promoting their event, but does not take any responsibility for inaccuracies or missing information.  The Library does not run the event on the day.  We encourage you to contact the author/event organiser to check the details of the event.