OUR PROUD HISTORY

INGLEWOOD AFC - Located approximately 20kms East of New Plymouth, is one of the football (soccer) clubs in the Taranaki region that can fall back on a rich & proud history and tradition.

To pull on the Inglewood strip is a privilege that links those from the past to those that represent the future.

The humble beginnings of what we now know as Inglewood AFC, started back in 1904 when a group of immigrants to the area of Inglewood, who loved and enjoyed the game of football, came together and played whenever possible. A complete team couldn't be fielded so these members combined their knowledge of the game and played with members of the New Plymouth Boys High School. This particular team took to the field and competed in the first established league in New Plymouth (made up of 4 teams). It was a major undertaking and commitment by these individuals when you take into account that travel to and from Inglewood (to New Plymouth) was not as easy as it is in this day and age. This shows that soccer back in the early 1900's had dedicated members from the Inglewood locale who shared a desire to promote and play the game. This proof of desire, from the early beginnings has been adopted by all future generations.

Even though the inception of the club was 1904, records will show that the official Registration date of the Inglewood AFC is 1945. Since this formal incorporation, Inglewood AFC has produced outstanding talents. Many young players of the Club were promoted to play in higher leagues, including the National League during the decades of the 80's and 90's.

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The Taranaki Football Co. was formed consisting of eight clubs, these being Old Boys, Moturoa, Central, Fitzroy, United, Inglewood, Opunake plus one other South Taranaki club. Each club provided a Director to sit on the board of Taranaki Football Co. This concept lasted until 1984/5 when lack of funds and clubs not releasing players finally put a halt on proceedings.

Past committees of the Inglewood AFC have always been strong. A worthy note is that past and some present leaders of the club were an integral part of acquiring the clubrooms, the changing rooms equipped with showers, and the excellent floodlights we see today for playing and training purposes. Karo Park is now one of the best floodlit facilities in Taranaki behind Yarrow Stadium. 

The playing facilities at Karo Park, Inglewood AFC's home ground, include 3 Senior fields, 1 Youth field, and 4 Junior fields. All fields are generally in superb condition and are considered to be some of the finest playing fields in Taranaki.

The modern era of the Inglewood AFC cannot be spoken about without the name Len Spick being mentioned. Len was a past President of the Club and became part of the Inglewood soccer scene in the 80's. His leadership provided clear direction and the club progressed well. His dedication and commitment was always done for the club and all of its members. His style proved decisive, and from the humble, modest and respected roots, grew a more professional phase of running the club and among other issues he dealt with, ensured quality coaching for all teams. Other key club stalwarts of notability are Leo Reumers, Henry Naus. The subsequent positive results indicated yet again that Inglewood AFC has continued with the tradition of commitment and desire, dedication and fair sportsmanship which the founding fathers of the club initiated over 100 years ago. 

Without exception, the committee members of our Club, past and present, deserve full recognition for the work they have done, for their vision and integrity, and for the work they continue to do to remain as one of the most envied clubs in Taranaki. An interesting recognition is that Inglewood, like other country clubs in Taranaki, has to deal with the annual loss of players from the area because of study or job commitments. Yet, Inglewood AFC continues to produce young, talented and promising players to fill these vacant positions year after year. This shows how well the Junior development works at the Club. This current structure, successfully established years ago, will hopefully enable the club to continue to progress into the future.

But it doesn't just stop there. Inglewood AFC differentiates itself even further from other country clubs and believes in a philosophy of continually playing against bigger and better teams and clubs so as to continually improve the standards within and to 'bring out your best'.

Overseas relationships have also provided opportunities for our club in the past. German Bundesliga clubs and well respected amateur clubs hosted and played against two travelling teams during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany. Subsequently, hosting reciprocal visits from overseas teams offered an insight into our NZ culture and way of life. This established some very important international friendships our club has. 

Utilising contacts, friendships and even opportunities overseas have never been something our club turns away from. These opportunities have always been harnessed by the club. There is a belief and vision that the more soccer that is played against stronger, bigger, better teams/clubs (within or away from Taranaki), the better and more skillful the soccer at Inglewood will be played as time goes by.

It is a remarkable history, from humble beginnings Inglewood AFC is now one of the most respected clubs in Taranaki providing great facilities, excellent coaching and a wonderful family environment for its players and supporters.