Western Pride FC
- Leagues Played
- Australia Queensland Premier League 106 Australia NPL Queensland 99 Australia Friendlies 14 Australia FFA Cup 5 Australia FFA Cup Qualifying 4 Australia Queensland Pro Series 3
- Links
- Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Wikipedia
- Related Teams
- Western Pride FC Women Western Pride FC U20 Western Pride FC U23
Results
Western Pride FC v
Wikipedia - Western Pride FC
Western Pride Football Club was a soccer club based in Ipswich, Queensland. The club is best known for winning the NPL Queensland Grand Final in 2017. Pride's Senior Men currently play in the Football Queensland Premier League, following relegation in 2018, while the juniors and Senior Women teams play in their respective NPL or FQPL Queensland competitions.
The club was founded in 2012 by a new entity called Football Ipswich, set up by local football clubs to represent the Greater Ipswich Region and surrounding Western Corridor.
Pride were inaugural members of the Men and Women's NPL Queensland competitions, the 2nd tier of Australian football.
In 2023 it was announced that Pride and Ipswich City FC would merge ahead of the 2024 season, with the new club being called Ipswich FC.
History
Pride's inaugural men's player/coach was former Socceroo Kasey Wehrman who led the team from 2012 until his resignation in July 2014 to return to Norway.
In October 2014, former A-League player Karl Dodd accepted the position of Head Coach of the Western Pride FC Senior Men's Team in the National Premier League (Qld). Former Matilda Karla Reuter signed on as Assistant Manager of the Men's team.
Dodd led the team to an impressive start to the season, however in June 2015 he was recruited by Brisbane Roar FC to take up a position as the High Performance Manager.
Dodd was replaced by former Whitsunday Miners FC coach Graham Harvey.
Pride Women's team first appeared in the SEQ Premier League, and were coached by Byron Hellmuth. In 2015 Pride gained a licence to the newly formed NPL Queensland Women's competition. Byron Hellmuth and New player/coach Lorena Maggio led the team to an 8th-placed finish.
On 18 May 2016 Pride Men played the New Zealand national football team at Briggs Rd Sporting Complex as part of the visitors preparations for the OFC Nations Cup. New Zealand prevailed 2–0 in front of a crowd of 1,200 fans.
Pride Men signed Papua New Guinea international Nigel Dabinyaba late in the season, who became the first current international to play in the NPL Queensland competition.
Two of Pride's 2016 squad were signed by Brisbane Roar's Youth team. Hayden Mchenery signed mid-season after 12 months at Pride where he rebuilt his career after suffering osteitis pubis. Joe Duckworth signed at the end of the season after top scoring for Pride with 11 goals in 21 appearances.
The team's colors, typically featuring a vibrant mix of purple and white, reflect the club's dynamic spirit and ambition. Western Pride FC plays its home matches at the Briggs Road Sporting Complex, a venue that provides an energetic atmosphere for supporters. The club's mission is to promote the sport of soccer at all levels, encouraging participation and excellence both on and off the field.
With a focus on teamwork, skill development, and competitive spirit, Western Pride FC aims to achieve success in the National Premier Leagues and beyond, while also serving as a beacon of pride for the Ipswich community. The club's dedication to inclusivity and sportsmanship makes it a vital part of the local sporting culture, inspiring the next generation of soccer players in Australia.