VALE: Alan Garside
Football NSW was deeply saddened to hear the news of the unfortunate passing of one of this state’s most prolific footballers, former Socceroo star striker and a legend in the Granville District Soccer Football Association area, Alan Garside.
The 94-year-old began playing football as an 11-year-old in 1937 for Granville before joining the Granville Kewpies’ Under 18s as a 15-year-old striker.
In 1952, Alan remarkably scored 53 goals in only 24 games forcing his way into the National Team as he won selection in 1953 and became the 148th Socceroo against China.
He played five matches for the Green and Gold including games against South Africa in 1955 before a leg injury and family life shortened his football career.
Up until his recent passing, Garside was recognised as Australia’s second-oldest Socceroo.
The Garside family name is synonymous with Granville District Soccer Football and Garside Park, the former home ground of the Granville Magpies, is named in honour of his father Frank Sr.
Due to his contribution to Granville Football, the Alan Garside Cup is now a feature of the Granville & Districts Soccer Football Association’s annual calendar for U-15 mixed teams.
Football NSW would like to pass on its deepest condolences to the Garside family, may he rest in heavenly peace.
