78 and counting for Baulkham Hills FC’s legendary star Terence Minton

It’s official, Ted Horwood Reserve, home to Hills Football’s Baulkham Hills FC has a record-breaking footballer in its player roster and its none other than the oldest male registered player in Australia, 78-year-old Terence Minton.

Yes, you heard correctly, 78-years of age, so what’s your excuse?

Terence quite simply lives and breathes football, there’s really been no substitute for the much-adored footballer with his love affair for the sport.

The iconic well-spoken English born footballer has been one of the leading pioneers of the grassroots game in NSW and it looks like Terance won’t be slowing down any time too soon.

“I must admit that my first thought was this was a wind up as surely there must be someone older than a youngster like me having the dubious mantle of the oldest player in Australia.

“However, if other male and female players can see that age is not a deterrent to continue playing, if the aches and pains don’t get them first, this game is number one and just for them.”

There were a number of fond memories Minton grew up with whilst enjoying his early beginnings as a footballer in North London before emigrating to Australia where he settled and found a home in the mighty Baulkham Hills Football Club.

“My first memories are competitive games playing in goal for the junior school in North London and finding out that I preferred the outfield, either left half or inside forward (in the old parlance).

“I played for a North London club before emigrating to Australia.

“I then registered myself in the Churches League, had a break for a few years due to work and family commitments before joining the Baulkham Hills Football Club in 1987.

“I’ve also managed and coached my son’s team until I joined the Over 35’s in the late 90’s and last year moved up to the Over 45’s.”

Most 78-year-olds we know are taking it easy, enjoying retirement and relaxing, but for Terence it’s the complete opposite, football is life for the Baulkham Hills superstar.

Football brings so many amazing feelings to Terence, its not just his love and passion for the game and meeting new friends that keeps him going, it’s the health aspect of it as well and judging from his dedication to the sport, he won’t be giving up too soon.

“What keeps me playing you ask?

“It’s not just the playing side, yes there is a love and passion for the game, but it’s also a need and want to keep moving and to not seize up.

“I want to play football for as long as possible. I love the feeling of scoring another goal, then another, the camaraderie of teammates and being involved with my club, it’s what continually drives me to keep playing this beautiful game called football.”

His unbelievable achievements have also been praised by the club’s President Tony Hughes who was only too proud to see Terence continue to live his dreams playing the sport he loves in the Baulkham Hill FC colours year in year out.

“Terry is a life member of Baulkham Hills FC and clubman who over three decades has played the game with great passion and pride in wearing the maroon and gold of ‘Baulko’.

“He has won every perpetual award that is awarded each season.

“His contribution outside of playing has set a high standard for all to follow.

“He has served on both our club executive and numerous committees for over twenty-five odd years including President, Vice President and Club Delegate just to name a few.

“Terence keeps fit each week of the season also marking our five fields at Ted Horwood Reserve.

“Terry’s contributions to Football at BHFC are second to none and something that he enjoys immensely.”

What a legend and gentleman Terence is.

Like Sylvania Heights FC’s 73-yer-old Carol Askew is to the women’s grassroots game is, this man is the main attraction amongst all the lads playing this wonderful sport.

Here’s to you Terence, 78 and not out!