What began as a field of dreams in 1994 for Armidale’s Phil Wheaton, five fellow committee members and their then homeless club is today a premium piece of sporting infrastructure and an example of what community spirit can achieve. On Sunday morning, a sign was officially unveiled near the eastern end of Erskine Street, Armidale, naming the home ground of the Norths United Football Club as the “Phil Wheaton Field”. The applauding crowd included club and community representatives of all ages.
The history behind the Phil Wheaton Field and the North Armidale Sporting Complex was presented by Norths’ Life Member, Bob Byfield. Then, Mayor of Armidale Dumaresq Council, Cr Peter Ducat did the (unveiling) honours. “This was a great day for Armidale, where we could recognise the work of one person, who has made a difference for his club, Armidale and the whole region,” he said.
Phil Wheaton has continued and built upon the legacy of his likewise community-minded father, the late Howard Wheaton, who has a bowling green named in his honour at the Armidale Ex-Services Club. “My father was a role model, who I loved dearly,” Mr Wheaton said. “I like to think that there’s a lot of him in me.”
The namesake of the Phil Wheaton Field said it was the biggest single honour that he had ever been given. “To be recognised in this way by friends and community members is an amazing honour that I have tremendous pride in.” Before he took a leadership role in supporting the world game in Armidale, Phil Wheaton was excelling in it. As a junior he achieved top representative honours. “I started off with the great Jack Valance. In primary school I had PSSA (the Primary Schools Sports Association) honours. While at Armidale High School, I made CHS sides and full NSW State sides that toured New Zealand and played in national knockouts. My Dad footed the bills while I travelled and experienced a lot through football.”
After playing, Phil Wheaton coached, taking on as many as three or four teams in a season. He was President of The Norths United Football Club from 1993 to 1997. In the year 2000, Phil and his similarly dedicated wife, Marilyn, were made Life Members.
“Norths United has been around for nearly 50 years. In 1994, we started looking for a permanent home for the Club, where a clubhouse and an identity could be built and a home ground advantage could really be felt,” Mr Wheaton recalled. “It took four years to get through the red tape. Richard Torbay was the scissors, cutting through the red tape and getting Council to make it happen before our momentum and enthusiasm waned.”
Construction began in March, 1997. Irrigation work commenced two months later. In May 1998, work on fields two and three began. A basic amenities building had to exist before the fields could be played on. For Phil Wheaton, professionally, as CEO of the Armidale City Bowling Club, in addition to the personal honours, 2011 has been one incredibly good year. “As a proud Armidalian, I cannot believe the year that I’ve had – honestly, I have to pinch myself. The Club Manager’s award, which I received and added to the Australian Hall of Fame for Club Managers was great. The Bowling Club took out more top Clubs NSW awards this year because it has fantastic staff, amazing board members and it is owned and supported by the Armidale community,” he said.
Marilyn Wheaton said she is exceptionally proud of her husband. “He is passionate about many things in his life, particularly football (or soccer). He introduced me to it when I was about 15 and I’ve been a keen supporter since,” she said. “Neil, our eldest son, began playing at age six, then our youngest, Andrew started. We were at most, if not all of their games and now they are grown up, it’s nice to reminisce. The game and Norths United have been very big parts of our lives as a family.”
The official naming of the Phil Wheaton Field was followed by a junior match between Norths Redmen and Norths Bandicoots.
Story: Gary Fry
