Amateur football club Salisbury West celebrates 50th year

BOB Campbell was a playing assistant coach during Salisbury West Football Club’s inaugural season in 1965 — now he is chairman as the Tigers celebrate their 50th anniversary.

BOB Campbell was a playing assistant coach during Salisbury West Football Club’s inaugural season in 1965.

He is still involved at the Tigers today — as chairman of the club — as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Campbell, now 75, says he has become such a fixture at the club, some people call him “Mr Salisbury West”.

“It’s a nickname a few people around the club have given me,” Campbell says.

“After my wife, the club comes next.”

Campbell joined the Tigers after moving into the area and spotting someone kicking a footy at what is now the club’s home base, Salisbury Downs Oval.

Since then he has coached the club, played more than 70 games as a ruckman or centre half-forward, been on the committee and worked behind the bar, among other off-field roles.

“The first year I was an assistant coach then I became the A-grade coach,” he says.

“I’ve been on all the committees and pulled them out of financial trouble a couple of times.”

Over the journey, the club has won six premierships, most recently in 2006.

These days the Tigers play in division four.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Salisbury West will wear a commemorative guernsey, featuring the names of every player to have lined up for the club, against Hope Valley tomorrow.

It will also select a 50-year anniversary team at a three-course dinner at the club on June 14.

Campbell says the club has had many highlights over the years and he is proud of how far it has come.

“The club’s had its ups and downs like all clubs.

“I’ve seen it grow and I more or less live for the club now.”

Tickets for the anniversary dinner can be purchased at the club.