NTFA: How ‘club with no town’ has defied odds for 100 years

The legacy of former Bridgenorth player James Wallace, who died suddenly this year, will be remembered with a permanent tribute on their scoreboard. Plus see who made club’s ‘Team of the Century’ squad for its 100th birthday celebrations this season.

Joel Clements and Bobby Beams who captained Bridgenorth to the 2010 seniors and reserves premierships respectively, with the cups on Friday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The legacy of former Bridgenorth player James Wallace will be permanently remembered by a touching tribute.

The NTFA division one club, which is celebrating its centenary this year, has painted Wallace’s guernsey number 36 onto the Parrots logo on their scoreboard.

The Parrots, and Wallace’s former club North Launceston were left shattered after the 21-year-old died suddenly in February.

Wallace had played three senior seasons and 44 games for Bridgenorth, and described as an “ideal teammate” by club president Bobby Beams.

Wallace’s parents will toss the coin before the senior season opener at home against Rocherlea on Saturday, and players will wear black armbands.

Bridgenorth's club logo on its scoreboard will wear the no.36 of former player James Wallace, who died in February. Picture: Bridgenorth FC

“We’ve been through a bit of turmoil and I imagine it’s going to be emotional again,” Bridgenorth coach Oliver Cook said.

“We’re going to have a minute’s silence before the seniors game, and the reserves players will stay on the ground for that.

“The parrot on the scoreboard wears the no.36 now in honour of James. That’s a nice touch, every time we look up at the scoreboard we’ll see him there with us.

“A couple of James’ closest friends had a year off last year and have come back to the club, and some friends from Brisbane are coming back. They’ll be the runners for different games.”

The Parrots have undergone a high player turnover this year, but Cook is confident in the synergy shown through pre season.

He expects Rocherlea, who won the NTFA premier division flag in 2023, to be the team to beat.

“I think they’re the benchmark. They’ve got some super talent on their list and kept most of it,” Cook said.

“Josh (Ponting) has stepped down as coach, but Luke Richards is a fantastic leader.

“I reckon they’re going to be a challenge, but we’re looking forward to having that early in the season to get a gauge of where we’re at.”

James Wallace. Picture: Bridgenorth FC

The match begins a huge year for the club as they celebrate their centenary.

One of the centrepieces is the announcement of their ‘Team of the Century’ later this year, while heritage jerseys will also be worn in certain games.

The club is the last survivor of the West Tamar Football Association, and current president Bobby Beams said they’re proud of their longevity.

“We talk about it a lot, it comes back to culture and the care we have for each other,” Beams said.

The heritage jerseys Bridgenorth will wear in specific games of their centenary year. The 1920s original guernsey (yellow and green) and red sash (from late 1940s). Picture: Bridgenorth FC

“Originally when we applied to enter the assocaition in the 1920s they apparently said ‘we’d better give them a go, they won’t last long’, and we’ve outlasted everyone.

“This year (in games against George Town) we’ll wear an original guernsey from the 1920s and a sash guernsey worn from the late 1940s.

“There’s been a lot of very good players come through this club and it (picking the Team of the Century) is never easy. Some willl have different opinions, but it’s an interesting conversation starter.”

Bridgenorth is a club with no town, with the football the virtual heartbeat of the community.

Alvyn ‘Sunny’ Scolyer, now 95, played over 300 matches for the Parrots from 1945. He served on the committee for over 40 years, as well as 30 years as gatekeeper.

“I remember we had 18 players and no reserves (in the early days), now we have women’s teams and over 100 (players),” he said.

“My dad was secretary in 129 when they won their first flag and I was secretary in 1949 when we won our first after the war.

“It is (a strong community) considering we don’t have a hotel, or a shop, or post office, or anything like that.”

Joel Clements, the club’s last men’s senior premiership captain in 2010, is regarded by many as the club’s best-ever player.

Bridgenorth identities Joel Clements, Alvyn Scolyer, Bobby Beams and Wayne Cuthbertson at the Parrots home ground on Friday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“I came here as a young bloke about 16 and basically haven’t left,” he said.

“I guess it (best player opinions) is flattering, it was good to stick around through the good and tough times.

“We’ve been here half an hour (at the club on Friday) and we’ve heard one car go past. That’s the beauty of this place.”