Club History from Weston Bears Football Club:

Geordie miners had a dream, to start a football team

It was late 1906, when the Hetton Coal mining complex, Newcastle, sent a party of workmen to develop the site at Hebburn Colliery near Weston. Among this group were quite a number of Football enthusiasts who persuaded a group to form a Football club. 1909 saw the arrival of former English player Bill Hindmarsh who proved a boon to the club. Colurs were changed to black and white stripes with black shorts.

Hindmarsh known everywhere as 'Geordie Bill' was a colourful character and his name lives on at Weston where as time runs out in a game the cry goes out - "Geordie Bill, the ball!" This cry was made famous when Weston played at the Homestead Ground and Hindmarsh was fullback. Whenever Weston needed a breather Hindmarsh would kick the ball into a nearby creek - a handy time waster.

Weston continued to achieve through the 1920's with continual appearances in cup competitions - Hemmings Cup, Gardiner Cup, Kerr Cup, Stevenson Cup with mixed success. In 1923 Tom Oliver became the clubs first player to represent Australia when he played in a test against a touring Chinese team.

1936 became Weston’s 'marvellous season' as the 'Geordies' took out the seasons double against powerful opposition from the Sydney area. During these years Weston was the home of many great players including: Jim (Skeeta) Wilkinson, Jim McNabb, Tom (Pincher) Harris & Jim Harden.

Like all champion clubs, time generally brings bad days and the period between 1941 and 1963 saw the great old club touched by relegation and financial problems. In 1957 the club was relegated and there the club languished until 1964

1964 saw the club promoted back to the 1st Division and a new era of triumph was well underway. With a reorganised committee headed by local businessman, Mr Alan Lamb, the whole concept was altered in 1968. Lamb persuaded the club to request player, Ian Thompson, to scout overseas for new recruits.

1971 brought rich rewards for the club, now known as the 'The Bears'.  The Club topped the points table and then won the Grand Final 5 - 0.

1977, with Max Luccessi back as coach, an all out effort was staged. Success followed success and much considered opinion rated 1977 as the 'greatest season ever' in the history of the club.  Weston's winning ways continued through the 80's & 90's and now continue into the new millennium.

The Weston Bears’ legacy is well-documented across various platforms, including:

•  Weston Bears Football Club:    http://www.westonfc.com.au/

• Weston bears Football Club at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weston_Workers_Bears_FC

• They also feature in the reminiscences of Basil Ralston, Chapter 7: WESTON SOCCER CLUB

This page is dedicated to sharing a collection of historic  images that offer a glimpse into the proud moments that have shaped our club’s story. 

The following data is from the Weston Bears FC Wikipedia page:

• Grand Finals:  1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995

• Premierships: 1931, 1936, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1996, 2004, 2010

• Club Championships: 1974, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1996, 2004

• The club has also won the numerous State and Local Cups that have been in existence over the years, including the Stevenson Cup, Ampol Cup, Hemmings Cup, BP Cup, State Cup, Alcan Cup, Gardiner Cup, Kerr Cup, Tycon Cup and Shehan Cup.

Weston Bears Park Sporting Facility Update

Works begin on upgrades for Weston Bears Park

Council has officially begun construction on the long-awaited multi-million-dollar upgrade of Weston Bears Park, with the project set to deliver significant improvements to both the facilities and the community's sporting experience. The $6.4 million upgrade is made possible through a combined investment, including more than $3 million from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for Weston Bears Football Club, one of the country's oldest and most respected football clubs, founded in 1907.

Project Overview

The upgrade will see the refurbishment of the park's grandstand, along with the construction of new clubrooms, changerooms, and amenities, enabling the Weston Bears Football Club to better support their growing female base with a welcoming environment for all players. Additionally, the grandstand will be updated to include a new canteen, a modern clubroom, and a wheelchair-accessible seating area. The design of these new facilities aims to improve comfort and safety for players, spectators, and the wider community.

Another major component of the upgrade will be the construction of a new carpark, which will feature upgraded drainage, improved lighting, and landscaping to enhance the overall functionality and appearance of the park.  [Cessnock City Council]

For more information on the Weston Bears Park upgrades see: Weston Bears Facility Upgrade