The Granville and Districts Soccer Football Association (GDSFA) is Australia’s oldest Soccer Football Association. It was founded in 1900 when Frederick Barlow decided to introduce the round ball game into the schools in the district. In 1901 the Association had 3 grades of competition – one for schools and two for other newly formed clubs and teams. The popularity of the game grew very quickly and not before too long the Association covered all of Western Sydney (one third of the Sydney Basin), even stretching out to Lithgow. Granville was the cradle and the nursery of the game and as such we have produced many Socceroos and Olyroos and more recently, Matildas.
As Sydney’s population grew, new Associations were formed from within our boundaries including Southern Districts Football Association, Nepean District Football Association, Macarthur District Football Association, Bankstown District Amateur Football Association, Blacktown & District Soccer Football Association and more recently the Hills Football Association. Today we are smaller covering the areas of Cumberland Council and Parramatta City Council but our passion for the game is still as strong as ever as we recognise being in the heart of the Western Suburbs we are in soccer football’s heartland. We have a rich diversity of colours and creeds from all over the world and we see this as our strength to promote the game we all love.
Our history is captivating and we are very proud of it. Our Premier League plays for the honour of winning the Challenge Shield – the oldest continuously played for silverware in Australia, since 1901! The Cottam Cup is the oldest continuously played for knock out competition silverware in Australia, since 1907. Both trophies are precious and wrapped with a history unmatched in Australia – read about them and be amazed! We are proud they are in Granville and we trust you are too.
The Association has its challenges but as a family of clubs we aim to work together to promote the sport and provide the best experiences we can to develop and enjoy the world game to ensure a positive future where making history can be proudly shared by every member, be they a first time Miniroo discovering the game or a young at heart senior over 45 year old walking around a paddock to relive past glories. Whatever your motivation, you are welcomed.