The Birth of a New Club

In 1975 five players drawn from a number of Hawkes Bay teams who wanted a more family oriented team actively developing younger players formed what was to become Eskview United Association Football Club. The Founding Members were: Ken Dungey, Fred Ellison, Brian Hollands, Colin Such and John Bryne.

There was a lot of parental support for the aim of the new Club with regard to developing young talent, but resistance from a number of schools was quite evident. One school said it would only release "No hopers" to play for the Club!

The original players were drawn from, Napier City Rovers, Taradale, Havelock North and Hastings Leopards.

The Club, which was originally going to be called 'Napier United', was formed at a meeting in the Criterion Pub in Emerson Street Napier in late 1975.

Home Ground

The Napier City Council declined South Pond as the home ground. After discussions with the Eskview Rugby Club and the Petane Domain Board, the home ground was developed at Petane Domain, Bay View and play started as Eskview United in the 1976 season.

Players did early maintenance of the pitch with home mowers. At times up to a dozen mowers could be observed attacking the long grass. The club colours were decided on as white shirts, blue shorts​ ​​​​​​and red socks. Although a reserve side did play in sky blue, the Eskview Rugby colours.