Randwick City FC aiming to create Cup history

Eastern Suburbs Football Association side Randwick City FC will attempt to make club history this Wednesday as they look to advance to the sixth round of the NSW Preliminary Rounds of the Australia Cup.

Established in 2010, the club first entered the Australia Cup three years later in 2013, when it was known collectively as the FFA Cup.

Founded by like-minded individuals, including Club President Richard Baldwin, their vision was to create an inclusive family club that catered to people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Eleven years on, Randwick City FC is now one win away from appearing in Round 6 of the NSW Preliminary Rounds of the Australia Cup for their very first time.

Defeating National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side St George City 4-2 last week was the second time they had made it through to Round 5.

Now, they will come up against League Two Men’s outfit South Coast Flame on Wednesday at Heffron Park for the opportunity to go even further.

In what was a big ‘Cupset’ for Randwick City FC, Club President Richard Baldwin spoke to Football NSW about what the victory meant to the club and the future goals they had in store.

He described the victory against a club four plus tiers up as one of the major highlights since he started his journey.

“The win over St George City proves that you can stay true to your values, such as community and being a family club. You can also win meaningful games,” Baldwin said.

“It was a mighty achievement.

“It was a win for everyone who has ever worn a Randwick City shirt, they can all take a little bit of that victory. Everybody has contributed to it.”

It was a big victory for Randwick City FC who had previously defeated Austral and Moorebank Sports in the second and third rounds.

Baldwin explained that the win was more special than the last time they made it to Round 5 as they produced four goals in a comfortable 4-2 performance against semi-professional NPL NSW Men’s side.

He also gave a special mention to the two coaches Robert Gold and JP Thompson.

The two have been key to the club’s success and wouldn’t be where they are now without them.

“JP has been with the club since 2014 as a player and coach. Robert came to the club in 2022 as a player with sound coaching credentials. Robert has made a seamless crossover into the Head Coaching role”

Baldwin also addressed the club’s future goals and what lies ahead for Randwick City FC.

This is despite the result of Wednesday night’s game.

“It’s hard to encapsulate, but we had a vision for a club, a community-based club,” he explained.

“There’s people that tell you, you can’t have a social club and be successful, and I think the longer the club evolves, the more we disprove that.

“I think to just continue the trajectory we’re on. We’ve made a home at the Chifley Sports Fields and to continue to develop that as our hub, improve facilities there, expand and see where it takes us.

“We founded it with the philosophy of being inclusive and the longer the club goes on, the closer we get to achieving those goals.”

Randwick City FC will take on South Coast Flame on Wednesday, April 26, at Heffron Park kick-off at 7pm. 

By Ethan Lee Chalk