Reg Date book on sale at Sydney FC match – December 17

A new book about Newcastle soccer legend, Reg Date, will be on sale at merchandising outlets during the Sydney FC game on December 17, with all proceeds going to Northern NSW Fooball for the development of junior soccer.
Still remembered with awe and fascination, and often called “The Don Bradman of Football”, Date still holds the Australian all-time goal scoring record of 664 goals over 17 seasons at the phenomenal average of just under 40 goals per season, a feat unmatched before or since.

Born and bred in Wallsend, Date rose to become a national hero by the time he was aged 21. Feared by goalkeepers for the ferocious power of his shots, his uncanny goal-poaching ability bewildered and amazed opponents. Date refused numerous offers to play for top English and Scottish clubs. He and other players of his era laid the foundations for the modern game in Australia.
A former coalminer, his fascinating, colourful story is told against the background of the establishment and development of both soccer and coalmining in the Newcastle region, which went hand-in-hand, dating back to the late 1800s.

The book, which not only honours Date but also many other great Newcastle and coalfields players who have represented NSW and Australia, is a must read for anyone interested in the game’s history in the Newcastle region.

A hardback edition, it will sell for the specially discounted price of $20. All copies are signed by the author.