VALE: Peter Gray

Football NSW was saddened to hear the news of the passing of former President and well-respected administrator Peter Gray following a long battle with illness.

Born in Australia in 1942, Peter spent 41 years in Australian football as a player and administrator.

During the 1960s Peter played nine years as a goalkeeper in various competitions in NSW including playing for former powerhouse club Polonia.

After retiring as a player in 1975, Gray linked with the Cronulla Seagulls Junior Club and became Club President two years later.

He subsequently earned the presidency of the Sutherland Sharks in the then NSW State League.

Gray was elected a board member of the NSW Federation (Football NSW) in 1986 and was President. replacing Peter Thorne, from 1991 to 2002.

Peter was then elected Soccer Australia Commissioner in 1995 and took part in more than 100 official appearances involving the national teams.

He was head of Football at the Atlanta Olympic Games and tour or delegation leader at World and Confederation Cup tournaments.

Gray was elected life member of Football NSW and the Sutherland Sharks before retiring in January 2002.

Gray was also an inductee in the FA’s Hall of Fame Honour role.

His ability to relate well with players and officials at every level of the game was one of the best attributes he will forever be known for amongst his fellow peers.

Peter was an inspirational President at Football NSW and was always putting the game first ahead of everything else.

He was one of the original initiators of what Football NSW is today.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Gray family, may he rest in heavenly peace.