Est. 1951
Our history and heritage
From humble beginnings to a community powerhouse of over 2,000 members.
- Formed in 1951
- 2,000+ active members
- Home ground: David Thomas Reserve
Manly Vale FC is a volunteer-run community football club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, home to more than 2,000 members. From first-time juniors to our Premier League teams, everyone plays the same way: with respect, effort and a love of the game.
Since 1951
The story of the Vale
The beginning
1951
The club was founded just four years after the Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) began. We are proud to be one of the longest surviving clubs still playing as an ‘individual’ entity in the competition.
Becoming Manly Vale
1961
The players, mostly Manly Vale residents, voted unanimously to give the club the name of its home suburb.
“For years the lads of this quickly growing township had no ‘home town’ club to join… It was therefore decided unanimously at the commencement of the 1961 season to change the name of club to Manly Vale Soccer Club.”
Bill Dudley, first secretary (1961 annual report)
The growth years
1960s–80s
From just 12 junior teams in 1961 playing on Millers Reserve (now David Thomas Reserve), the club rode the football boom of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Our foundations were built on coaching excellence and the ethos of playing the game in the right spirit: the Manly Vale Way.
Through the decades
A family club
Our reputation is built on the dedication of families who have steered the club through the decades.
The Wainwrights
From the club’s earliest days, father Ted coached for years while four brothers played. John (President) and Keith (Premier League coach and player) have been instrumental in running the club, with Keith becoming patron after Les Cratchley.
The Grecos
Cas Greco joined in the 60s and became the club’s longest-serving coach. His wife Connie served as Registrar and Canteen Manager, while their children played across the Men’s and Women’s Premier Leagues.
The Sestanovichs
Three generations of influence. Tony, Velma and Michael have all served as Club President. Brothers John, Michael and Frank worked their way from juniors to lengthy Premier League careers.
Honouring service
Club life members
Life membership honours those who have given outstanding long-term service to Manly Vale FC.
On the pitch
Club honours
Men’s Premier League
1978
The benchmark team, featuring the Hennessy and Smuts brothers, took the flagship men’s title.
Golden era
2010–12
Tony Bruzzano’s Women’s Premier League squad won three consecutive titles and the prestigious FNSW Champion of Champions in 2011 and 2012.
Undefeated juniors
1980–81
The 1970s streak team that included Ian Gray went undefeated for years and won back-to-back U18 State Cups in 1980 and 1981.
Representative honours
| Player | Honour |
|---|---|
| Ian Gray | Socceroo (Manly Vale junior) |
| Alan Hunter | Former Socceroo and NSL coach |
| Grant Lee | Former Socceroo |
| Bob Catlin | Australian representative goalkeeper |
| Katrina Boyd and Gill Foster | Former Matildas |
| Brett Fairhall | Australian Cerebral Palsy national team |
1951 to 2026
75 years at the Vale
In 2026 we celebrated 75 years of Manly Vale FC with a family day, a gala dinner and a retro Keepy Uppy game built by club volunteers.
Explore the full anniversary story, with highlights from every era and photos from the club archives.
Life at the Vale
Players, volunteers and families
Be part of the next chapter
75 years on, the Vale is still run by families and volunteers. Join us as a player, coach or helper.