A PROUD HISTORY

Early Years and Formation

Sutherland Sharks FC traces its origins back to the establishment of Sutherland United SFC in 1930. By 1936, the club had grown significantly, leading to a split and the formation of what would become the present-day club under the name Casuals Soccer Football Club.

In the post-World War II era, the club found success in the St George Football Association before stepping up to the Metropolitan Soccer League in 1947, effectively Sydney’s second division. After winning the league in just their second season, they earned promotion to the NSW Soccer Association First Division. However, financial constraints meant the club was unable to take up the opportunity, delaying their move to the top tier for another 24 years.

Name Changes and Establishing a Home

In 1949, the club rebranded as Sutherland Shire Casuals SFC, reflecting its growing presence in the region. A year later, it secured a long-term lease for Seymour Shaw Park, though the club continued to use Sutherland Oval until it permanently moved to Seymour Shaw in 1959. In 1955, the club changed its name again to Sutherland Shire Soccer Football Club.

Community Growth and Early Success

Throughout the 1960s, the club continued to strengthen its role in the community. In 1961, it briefly merged with a struggling St George district club, adopting the name Sutherland-St George SFC before reverting to its original identity a few years later. That same year, the club hosted an international fixture at Seymour Shaw Park against the Fiji national team, drawing an estimated 4,000 spectators in a 5-3 loss.

In 1966, the club was granted a liquor licence and opened a social club in Miranda, which operated successfully until financial difficulties forced its closure in the mid-1980s.

Rise to the Top Flight

The 1970s proved a defining period for the club. Under coach Mike Johnson, the team won the NSW Division 2 championship in 1971, securing promotion to the state’s top league for the first time. The club has remained at this level ever since, holding the record for the longest uninterrupted tenure in NSW’s top state competition.

Major Trophies and Early Challenges

The early years in the top flight were challenging, with the team finishing near the bottom of the ladder until 1977, when they reached the semi-finals for the first time. The following year saw the club win its first major trophy, the Ampol Cup, before securing a remarkable grand final victory against Sydney Croatia with a 2-1 win in a replay at Wentworth Park.

This success marked the beginning of a long-standing commitment to homegrown talent, a philosophy that continues to shape the club today.

Consistent Contenders

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Sutherland Sharks remained a regular semi-finalist and added further silverware, including a second Ampol Cup title in 1981 and another grand final victory in 1986, defeating Melita Eagles 3-1.

In 1984, the club was a frontrunner for a place in the expanded National Soccer League (NSL) but was ultimately edged out by the newly formed Penrith City, which folded just two years later after relegation.

In 1988, Sharks FC hosted the Socceroos in a Bicentennial Gold Cup warm-up match, drawing what is considered a ground record of 4,500 spectators.

Facility Upgrades and Continued Success

The 1990s saw periods of inconsistency, but the club secured its first minor premiership in 1991, repeating the achievement in 1996. That same year, Seymour Shaw underwent significant upgrades, including the construction of a 650-seat grandstand, corporate boxes, and modern facilities.

Despite these advancements, the club faced a setback in 2002, experiencing its first-ever relegation. However, under new leadership and with strong support from major sponsor John Hills (Pipe King), the club rebounded. In 2006, Sharks FC successfully bid for a place in the new elite 10-team NSW Premier League, marking a new era.

Modern Achievements and Establishing Dominance

In 2007, the Sharks narrowly missed the semi-finals but claimed the Leader Challenge Cup against St George. The following year, the club won the NSW Premier League Championship (Minor Premiership) and played in the grand final, falling to Wollongong in a hard-fought match.

That same year, the club set a new attendance record at Seymour Shaw, with over 5,000 spectators watching the Sharks defeat A-League side Sydney FC 1-0 in a friendly match.

In 2009, under coach Robbie Stanton, Sharks FC dominated NSW football, winning the NSW Tiger Cup, the Leader Challenge Cup, and the NSW Premier League Premiership, capping it off with a 4-1 grand final win over Marconi at CUA Stadium, Penrith.

Looking Ahead

Over nearly a century, Sharks FC has experienced remarkable highs and challenging setbacks, always maintaining a strong local identity and commitment to player development. The club remains focused on continuing its legacy, fostering local talent, and ensuring sustained success well into the future.

Sharks celebrating the 2009 Grand Final win over Marconi 4-1 at Penrith’s CUA Stadium.