History

Our History

Sunbury United Football Club was formed in 1973 by a group of expatriate Europeans who wanted to play the game they grew up with. In the first year, friendly games were arranged against various branches of the armed forces, visiting British merchant ships and on one occasion a Russian ship that docked in Melbourne. At that time, there were no soccer pitches in Sunbury, so the club played its first two seasons on any available AFL grounds that were converted to soccer pitches on each match day.

 In 1974, the club's first year in competition, it was placed in the now defunct Western District league. Sunbury stayed in this league for three seasons and its record was very good for a newly formed club.

 In 1974 the seniors finished first, the reserves fifth, in 1975 the seniors finished fourth and the reserves sixth. In 1976 the seniors finished second and the reserves first.

In the first move of what now has become a long history of successful co-operation between the Club and the local council, arrangements were made to convert an old paddock into a soccer complex.

In August 1975, Sunbury United moved to its present home on seven and a half acres of sporting ground at Langama Park. Over the years that area has developed and there are now three senior, and two junior soccer pitches with two cricket pitches and practice nets. Although there is still room for improvement to the floodlighting on the main pitch, the night games have proven successful.

The club has hosted a variety of visitors, including State and National league clubs, senior and junior state squads and touring European teams. With the great availability of space, it has been possible to keep the main pitch in first-class condition and minimize the risk of injury to players.

Since 1977, when Sunbury was promoted from the Western District league to the Provisional league division 2, the club's success has been quite remarkable. The first team finished top in 1978, second in 1981. In the major league restructuring of 1983/1984 the club's 10th year received a promotion jump from Metro three to Metro one. In that period, the reserve squad's ability to support the firsts gained one top position and two third spots in their leagues.

Sunbury United Football Club's senior men currently play in the Men's State League 3 North-West competition, and the club has junior teams that compete in the Metropolitan Melbourne North West competitions from Under 7's to Under 18's.