C.J. (Charlie ) Dempsey C.B.E. 1922-2008

The club lost one of its most honoured and loyal members with the recent passing of Charlie Dempsey.

Over a span of almost 50 years Charlie was a dominant figure in NZ football and its administration. His efforts had a profound influence of the emergence of NZ Soccer on to the international stage, and his involvement with the Oceania Federation ensured the future of football in this part of the world. Recognition of these efforts by FIFA was richly deserved.

His ability extended into the commercial sphere witnessed by the success of his joint building company Dempsey Morton Ltd – this company fostering  & sponsoring big football in the Auckland area for a number of years.

Charlie was the long time Patron of the Eastern Suburbs Club whom he served and supported for over 30 years. He coached and managed the clubs premier team for many successful years and from these teams a number of players rose to representative and national honours.

He served on the club executive committees and after moving into NZ, Oceania and FIFA roles was always available for advice when requested. In recognition of his service he was elected a life member of the club in 2003, an honour well earned and reciprocated.

A popular, forthright, person, who loved football, a game of golf, a wee drink and a chat. He leaves many friends in many areas – he will be missed.
The club extends our sincere sympathy to his wife Annie and the Dempsey family on their sad loss.

Holiday Coaching Course

Eastern Suburbs Association Football Club (ESAFC) runs a series of coaching programmes throughout the School Holidays. We have a range of exciting programmes running in the coming school holidays, from as little as $90.00.

Click here for more information and to register

Junior Development Programme

Click here for a flyer with more information

Youth Success for ES Players

The Club extends its congratulations to Nico Vulinovich and Adam Barkley, both of whom were part of the AFF Under 12 team who recently competed in the Oceania Football Confederation Youth Festival in Noumea. The Auckland team had a great tournament, topping Group B in pool play and coming out eventual runners up in the final to Fiji's Ba, who advance to the world event in France later in the year. It is a huge achievement by both boys to have been a part of this squad. Well done to them both!

Congratulations also to the following players who have recently been successful in trialling for the Eastern Zone squad to compete in the Clive Herbert Tournament, joining Nico and Adam. It is from these teams that the next AFF Under 12s will be selected.

Jared Schnell
Alon Karp
William Hopper
Michael Jenkins
Jonty Thompson
Arthur Yanagisawa

News from Friends

Many thanks to all those who supported the recent Junior Disco and Youth Social we recently held at the clubrooms. These were well attended - particularly the junior disco  - and the children seemed to enjoy socialising and partying. Parents were also seen doing the odd dance move!

We have also recently run raffles for two pedal cars. These were drawn by Ted at the club on Saturday afternoon and I am pleased to announce the winners:

•     The Pink Princess: Shelley Preston who says it will be a hit when her two baby grand-daughters are old enough to enjoy it; and
•     The Hot Rod: Simon Lowe - who will be shipping his prize down to his nephew Elliot in Dunedin whose 2nd birthday coincided with the draw!

All proceeds from these fund raising initiatives are held by Friends with the intention that they will be used to purchase items which the Club requires such as a new tent. We were initially planning to acquire a new vacuum cleaner but a kind member has donated us one so the gazebo seems to be next on the list (to replace the one that went missing).

Please diarise the next Friends event which will be on 26 July  - a Quiz night for the grown ups.  We will keep you posted with details and when tickets go on sale.

Thanks again for your support for the Club,

Fiona and Friends of Eastern Suburbs

Victory at Clendon

Our 10th premier boys' first team, The Sonics, coached by Gary Norris, were victorious at the weekend at the Clendon 10th grade tournament, successfully defending the title which ES had claimed last year. Click here for the full story.

Kidz Club - Notice

The Kidz Club operates from 8.15 - 12.15 each Saturday and is intended as somewhere for the kids to chill out between games and while Mum and Dad have a coffee. Entertainment is available and there is someone there to supervise but the Kidz Club is a free service and it is a Club not a crèche. Parents are at all times responsible for their own children.