Deaf Football Australia

Southern Cross Shield

On the 9th April 1977, the following representatives Ron Loader, Sue Cateris, (NSW) Matthew Veale, Michael Andersson (VIC) met to discuss the possibilities of a state deaf soccer competition.

Ron Loader suggested that the competition be called ‘The Southern Cross Shield’ and that the selection of the players into the first NSW team would have the great pleasure in donating the shield and also would accept the costs of the engraving.

NSW delegates moved that the Southern Cross Shield be used for all interstate matches only, and that the Keith Layton Shield be presented to the overall Best and Fairest Player. QLD seconded the motion and it was carried.

It was agreed that the winner of the shield would be able to keep the shield for one year. It was also agreed upon that should a player move interstate, that player would need to obtain a clearance and take up membership of the club in his adopted state.

The Southern Cross Shield Tournament was used as a selection process for players to be picked to represent the Australian Deaf Football Team.

The first Southern Cross Shield Tournament was held in Sydney on the weekend of 25th and 26th March 1978.

25th March 1978:

Victoria vs. Queensland - This was the first Southern Cross match played.

26th March 1978:

New South Wales vs. Victoria

New South Wales vs. Queensland

Southern Cross Shield 2010

The Best and Fairest for Southern Cross 2010 are as followed:

Victoria: Mohamed Aber (Men’s) & Ashleigh Bransden (Women’s)

NSW: Peter Dionisopoulos (Men’s) & Jessica Waters (Women’s)

QLD: Brad Schofield (Men’s) & Emily McMaster (Women’s)