Rochedale Rovers FC

Rochedale Rovers
Full name Rochedale Rovers Football Club
Nickname(s) Rovers
Founded 1972
Ground Underwood Park
Ground Capacity 5000
Chairman Peter Crethary
Head Coach Mark Cruse
League Brisbane Premier League
Website Club home page

The Rochedale Rovers are a semi-professional football club that play at Underwood Park in Priestdale, next to Rochedale South in Queensland, Australia. Rochedale Rovers FC compete in the Flight Centre Brisbane Premier League in Queensland, Australia.

History

In November 1972 when local resident Tommy Vance decided to advertise in the local paper to see if anyone was interested in forming a soccer club, he could never have imagined what that simple decision would mean, and how many people’s lives would be altered by it.

From the start, local business identities came forward to help, including the late Graham Hogg of Graham Hogg Real Estate, Brian Fitzgibbon of the Glen Hotel and John Beerling from Galeprufe Garages. Within a few years of starting, the club had leased land at Underwood Park, developed three fields (fenced and floodlit), built a canteen, office and showers. Many hours of volunteer work has been put in by many different people and it is without doubt the reason why Rochedale Rovers has become the club it is today.

Since those early days, many thousands of local families have enjoyed the atmosphere and the facilities, and in turn have made them bigger and better, so that today, the idea of a few locals has become a thriving industry. The club employs nearly 50 people both full and part-time and now have a fully air-conditioned family bistro, a function room that will cater for 160 people that overlooks the main playing field, and a smaller conference room, which will hold 70/80 people. There is also the friendly clubhouse itself, open seven days a week, complete with Poker Machines, Keno, Mini-Tab, Cafe and Restaurant. Live entertainment on weekends will cater for all styles. As of July 17, 2014 the Licensed Club has ceased operation after going into voluntary administration back in 2010.[1]

The soccer side of the club has grown just as furiously. Beneath the grandstand, which overlooks our main field, are some of the best player facilities in Queensland. Four large size changing rooms, showers, offices, sports store and canteen. A professionally run club, Rochedale Rovers offers the complete family package.

Rochedale Rovers have endeavored to set the standards in Queensland soccer and left no stone unturned in their ambition to become one of the best clubs. The club now boasts four Premierships, captured in 1999, 2007, 2008 & 2010 as well as many Grand Final and Cup Final appearances.

The club also takes pride in the fact that many former players (both Senior & Junior) are now playing professionally both in Australia and Overseas. These names include Shane Huke (Dagenham & Redbridge – ENG), Chris O'Connor (Bray Wanderers – IRE; & Australia U/23's), Tim Smits, Matt Mundy, James Donachie & Luke Brattan (Brisbane Roar), Steve Fitzsimmons (Gold Coast United) & Jon McKain (Wellington Phoenix & Adelaide United).[2]

2013 Season

Sponsored by F1rst Commercial Realty, Rochedale Rovers are currently competing in the 2013 Brisbane Premier League.[3]

2011 Season

In a repeat of the 2010 Qualifying Final, Rochedale Rovers faced Brisbane Wolves however this time the match was played at Carmichael Park. Two late 1st half goals from Americans Patrick Hopkins and Steffen Vroom took Wolves into a 2–0 lead that proved to be enough as they held out for a 2–1 victory. Rovers then played Olympic FC for a place in the 2011 Grand Final and as Rovers had done to Capalaba the previous year, they defeated their opposition 3–0 to set up a rematch with Brisbane Wolves. The Grand Final was at Perry Park on Sunday 25 September, but with Wolves leading 1–0 at Half Time, a floodlight failure forced an abandonment, and Rochedale would run out winners in the rematch at Luxury Paints Stadium.

2010 Season

Competing in the Brisbane Premier League, Rochedale Rovers were Premiers in the 2010 regular season, after a fantastic start that saw them go 21 games undefeated. However towards the end of the season their form slumped, resulting in a 1–0 Grand Final defeat to Brisbane Wolves.

Silverware

Premierships: 1999, 2007, 2008 & 2010

Championships: 2011

Cups:

References

  1. ↑ "Breaking News". Rochedalerovers.com. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  2. ↑ "Rovers History". Rochedalerovers.com. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  3. ↑ "Ladder for Brisbane Premier League – FOX SPORTS PULSE". Sportingpulse.com. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
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