Vale Ted Simmons OAM
The Board, staff and football community of ESFA mourn the passing of the distinguished Ted Simmons OAM — a man whose name is woven indelibly into the fabric of football in Australia.
Ted was, above all else, a servant of the game. Humble in manner yet towering in contribution, he carried with him a treasury of football history, always ready with a story — and never the same one twice. There was a familiar twinkle in his eye whenever he spoke, a quiet excitement born of a lifelong mission to educate, preserve and celebrate the story of our game.
From 1972 to 1983, Ted served as President of ESFA, as well as President of the ESFA Referees Branch. In recognition of his extraordinary service to football and refereeing, he was later named an ESFA Life Member. Yet titles alone could never capture the extent of his commitment. Well into his 80s, Ted could still be found at ESFA grounds, assessing and mentoring young referees, taking genuine pride in their development and thoughtfully reporting back. He gave his time freely, greeting everyone as an equal, driven by an unwavering passion to safeguard the future of football in the Eastern Suburbs.
His influence reached far beyond the local game. Ted was a recipient of the Football Australia Hall of Fame, an honour befitting his national contribution. In 2011, ESFA established an award in his name, recognising youth players, coaches or teams who exemplify excellence, development and outstanding sporting conduct within the ESFA competition. Whenever possible, Ted made it his priority to personally meet recipients at the ESFA AGM, taking the time to speak with players, families and stakeholders — a gesture that meant more than any trophy.
Ted was also the author of the seminal work Australia Soccer From The Beginning — a publication often described as the “Google” of Australian football history. He took immense pride in ensuring ESFA held copies of this remarkable record. The book was the culmination of painstaking research through historic archives, a journey he would recount with both candour and satisfaction. It stands as a lasting testament to his dedication to preserving the heritage of the game.
A football journalist from 1950 onwards, Ted spent two decades travelling as a correspondent following Australian national teams, and also served as Media Officer for national sides. Earlier still, as a player, he competed in Churches football until the early 1960s before moving into administration, becoming President of the NSW and later the Australian Churches Football Association.
Though unable to attend ESFA’s Centenary Dinner or AGM in 2025, Ted was never far from our thoughts — nor from our gratitude.
To have met Ted Simmons, even briefly, was to understand the depth of his character. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and a legend whose legacy will endure wherever football is played, remembered and cherished.
We will miss him deeply.
May his legend live on, and may he rest in peace.
