History of the QCSA
by Bob Briggs, QCSA Executive Director © 2000

It was in 1970 or was it 1969? What ever it was, it was around 30 years ago.

A group of people decided to do something together. They came from different communities and different churches and denominations. They put aside what differences they did have and made a decision that has changed the way many people live their lives, then and now.

It probably wasn't easy. As a matter of fact I would say that many people would have thought that they were crazy to even try. They believed in a common goal. One that would provide a vehicle for children to experience and adopt worthwhile values.

Have you guessed what it was they decided to do? Of course, it was to create a Christian sporting organisation. One that would provide the opportunity to play on Saturdays leaving Sundays free for worship and family. It was important then to build it on, and with, Christian principles just as important as it is today. They called it "Queensland Churches Soccer Football Association BID." quite a mouthful wasn't it?

The first meeting took place at the West End Methodist Church where 12 members elected our very first committee. It consisted of Eric Jones from Blackstone Welsh (president) Wal Brown from St. Pauls (secretary) Merv Zimmerman, Salisbury Baptist; Norm Parker, St. Pauls; John Gibbs, Nundah; and Norm Rule, Salvation Army.

Starting small with only six teams the first games were played at the Sunnybank State School. That's right, the same place that we played the State Titles and the Grand Finals up until a few years ago. The six founding clubs were Blackstone Welsh, Bundamba Salvation Army, St. Pauls, Nundah Wavell, Salisbury Baptist and a Salvation Army team from Brisbane. It was not long before there were ten and then twelve teams in the competition. Two years later the very first Constitution and Rules were born.

In answer to the question posed in the beginning, as I have already said, it was important to have an alternative to playing sport on Sundays. But that was not the only reason. There was a desire born from the founders strong Christian convictions to show that the absence of alcohol and gambling was no hindrance to the way people derived pleasure from playing sport and enjoying each others company. In fact this rule was incorporated into the original Constitution and is still there today. Isn't this a wonderful witness to those who watch from the sidelines? We should never miss an opportunity to spread the good news about the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. It's up to us all to continue and maintain the ideals of the founders of this Association.