Memory Lane Monday

Upper Hutt City Football, as it’s known today, is the result of the amalgamation of three separate football clubs in the Upper Hutt region.

Football’s roots in Upper Hutt date back to 1926 with the formation of Trentham Association Football Club, a club that laid the foundation for decades of football activity in the region. We recessed during the Depression years of the 1930s and emerged in the 1940s as Upper Hutt United. In the early 1970s, Tararua United was formed as a breakaway club for juniors and then progressed to providing a home for senior men’s teams. In 1978, the Upper Valley Wanderers (keep an eye out next week for this story) came onto the scene to provide a dedicated option for women’s football in Upper Hutt.

By the late 1990s, the decision was made to amalgamate these three clubs, bringing together their unique histories, strengths, and players under one banner. With the construction of new clubrooms at Harcourt Park, they formed the Tararua Sports Club, a central hub for football in Upper Hutt. In 1998, during a landmark meeting, it was agreed that all teams would play as Upper Hutt City Soccer, a name chosen to reflect the club’s strong ties to the Upper Hutt community and its support for local talent.

As the new millennium rolled in, so did changes to the club’s identity. In 2011, Upper Hutt City Soccer rebranded to Upper Hutt City Football. And, in December 2011, construction began on a cutting-edge astro-turf facility at Maidstone Park. This was a major step forward, offering players access to a modern playing surface that could withstand the region’s variable weather conditions and support year-round training and competition. Following a Special General Meeting in late 2012, members voted to move the club’s primary base from Harcourt Park to Maidstone Turf. The transition was completed just in time for the 2013 season, ushering in a new chapter in the club’s story.

While Maidstone Turf became the club’s official home, Upper Hutt City Football initially held onto the Harcourt Park clubrooms, which had long been a central point for the club’s activities.

Eventually, the clubrooms were sold to the Moonshine Rod and Custom Club, but Harcourt Park remained a significant part of the club’s heritage. Social and Masters football teams continue to play at the Harcourt Park pitches, ensuring the legacy of the club’s former home is kept alive.

Today, Upper Hutt City Football stands as a pillar of the Upper Hutt community, carrying forward the combined history and spirit of Upper Hutt United, Tararua United, and Upper Valley Wanderers. It remains dedicated to promoting football for all ages and skill levels, with its vibrant past serving as the foundation for a promising future.

These photos are of the Upper Valley Wanderers and the Tararua United teams.

~Jane

Source: Jane @ Upper Hutt City Football

07/10/24