A Look Back at the History of SWSA

Bunbury United Soccer Club, 1972 — one of the early community clubs that helped shape the game in the South West. (Source: Bunbury United Soccer Club)

What started with seven clubs in a Donnybrook meeting hall has grown into one of Western Australia’s most respected regional football competitions. The South West Soccer Association (SWSA) has been the beating heart of local soccer since 1971 — built by volunteers, powered by community, and fuelled by a love for the game.

🏁 The First Whistle: How It All Began

In late 1971, representatives from Donnybrook, Busselton, Manjimup, Bunbury United, Laporte, Bunbury Rovers, and Harvey gathered with one goal: to establish a formal league to grow and support senior soccer in the South West.

By 1972, the first Premier League season was underway. That inaugural competition laid the groundwork for what would become a multi-division, multi-generational community of clubs that continues to thrive over 50 years later.

🌱 A Growing League, A Growing Community

As more clubs joined (including Centrals, Forrest Park, Dunsborough, Cavaliers, and many more) the league expanded, both in numbers and in impact. By the early 1980s, a structured competition system had taken shape, supported entirely by volunteers who ran lines, marked pitches, and fired up canteen BBQs every weekend.

👥 Pioneers Who Shaped the Game

Names like Ron Moss and Norm Saunders are etched into the foundation of SWSA. Ron was instrumental in establishing clubs such as Laporte (now Dynamos), Cavaliers, and Forrest Park. A life member of the association, Ron also helped introduce veterans (masters) football to the region in 1980 — a division that continues to thrive.

The Pioneer & Legends Cup was later created to honour these early contributors — an annual event celebrating those who helped lay the groundwork for today’s players.

⚽ More Than Just a League

SWSA is now home to:

• Men’s Premier League, Reserves & Division 1

• Women’s Premier League & Division 1

• Masters Football

And with more than 20 venues across the region SWSA offers structured competition for players of all ages and skill levels.

It also proudly upholds traditions like the Charity Shield, a season opener that supports local causes, and in 2025, expanded the event with the inaugural Women’s Charity Shield.

💚 50+ Years On: What Hasn’t Changed

While the kits may be flashier and the fields better maintained, the heart of South West football remains the same: community.

From the junior kick offs to veterans still lacing up each week, SWSA exists because of the dedication of clubs, coaches, players, referees, and volunteers who show up week after week to keep football alive in the South West.

Whether you were part of the first season or just joined a club this year, you’re now part of a legacy that’s more than 50 years strong — and still going.