LONG-TIME sportsman Colin Swan's heart swells with pride in anticipation for Belmont Football Club's 50th anniversary.
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The 84-year-old has been a member of the club since it was formed in 1964.
His daughter, three sons and twin grandsons have all played for the club.
"My life has always been here," Mr Swan said.
The former junior tennis champion discovered his love for soccer while he was studying at Wagga Wagga Teachers College in the late 1940s.
Mr Swan moved to Belmont in 1953 and was a key figure in helping to establish the football club almost a decade later.
Since then, the club has expanded from four teams to 44 and has about 460 members.
However, it has faced some challenges along the way.
"There was a lot of trouble in the early days with competition from rugby league," he said.
"Nobody wanted to accept soccer was growing.
"We had soccer at Swansea and Blacksmiths, but boy there was no soccer in Belmont."
The club pushed on to become the pioneer for soccer in eastern Lake Macquarie.
This Saturday, Mr Swan will join 150 other club members and players at a vintage ball to celebrate the club's success and achievements.
There will be photos and memorabilia on display.
■ Belmont Football Club's 50th anniversary vintage ball will be held at Belmont 16s this Saturday, July 19, at 6.30pm. Cost is $100 per person, including a three-course meal and drinks. Email secretary Michelle Wilmott at BelmontFC@MacquarieFootball.net.au for tickets.