Peter Delaney has held every title imaginable at his beloved Watsonia Heights Football Club (WHFC) in his 50 years at the club and doesn't see an end in sight
At Watsonia Heights' 2022 presentation night, Delaney was recognised for his unwavering service to the club with a certificate of appreciation.
Delaney said he just “loves” the joint and couldn’t see himself anywhere else.
“I don’t do it for pats on the back, I do it because of my passion for the club,” he said.
“I believe in loyalty in sport, the club is my whole life, it’s all I know.”
The WHFC was established in 1970 at Gabonia Avenue, however, now calls Greensborough Secondary School home and has played a prominent role in the local community over its 50-year history fielding 21 junior teams, two women’s and four men’s senior teams in 2022.
The club stalwart is one of four brothers who all played at the club with his family connection continuing to his children.
“All the family are life members, have all had a role to play over the years,” he said.
“I became a life member in my early 20s, I am now 60 and still giving up my time.”
Delaney has held many positions over his time at the club and doesn’t see anything stopping him on the horizon.
“I was president for 10 years, I marked the ground and put up the nets for 35 years before we got the synthetic pitch at our new home ground,” he explained.
“I coached U13s up to U18s, I moved on to coaching the seniors, and this year I was asked to be team manager, which was great fun.
“I don’t miss anything; nothing can stop me; I am always there to help out and do anything that is needed.”
Having grown up around the club, it is the relationships Delaney has formed that he holds closest to his heart.
“I know the people, the older juniors, a lot of ex-players, kids they all came back to the club, I think it is good for the club and says a lot about the culture of the joint,” he said.
“The thing with me is I’ve done it from scratch from when I was a kid and that’s the thing I love.
WHFC has formed a partnership with Italian outfit Serie B and claims this partnership was the first of its kind in Victorian.
This partnership has brought many opportunities to WHFC that will has allowed their players to grow and have access to professional European coaches and staff to assist with their development at WHFC.
Delaney said one of his fondest memories was when the historic partnership saw two iconic Italian footballers visit the club.
“Just after the 1990 World Cup Salvatore Schillaci who was the tournament’s leading goal scorer and Giuseppe Giannini came out and did a training course for the young players at our club, which was surreal,” he said.
WHFC vice-president Michael Girdler described Delaney as the “heart and soul” of Watsonia Heights.
“Peter loves the Watsonia Heights Football Club and will do whatever he can to help the club succeed.
“He is always one of the first to put their hand up when a volunteer is required, and he encourages others to do the same.
“Though it has never been proven, he swears that when he accidentally cuts himself - he bleeds red, white, and royal blue.”
The WHFC boasts over 50 years of existence and Girdler explained this wouldn’t be possible without Delaney.
“He is the unofficial club historian - he'll tell you stories about the club after very little prompting and though the embellishments may differ with each telling, the heart of the story always remains the same.
“Peter makes sure he greets all the new players and members of the club in his unique style, always making sure that they feel welcome at Watsonia Heights FC.
“On behalf of all past, present, and future players and members of WHFC, we thank you Peter for your tireless work and support.”