Vale Alan Garside

Football Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of Socceroo number 148, Alan Garside.

Garside passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, 23 May 2021 surrounded by his four children.

Garside, a prolific striker, made his ‘A’ international debut against South Africa in October 1955 in Newcastle, Australia.

He played an additional four ‘B’ internationals between 1953 and 1957, scoring three goals.

Up until his recent passing, Garside was recognised as Australia’s second-oldest Socceroo. 

A Granville football great, Garside commenced his career with the Granville Kewpies at the age of 11, and went on to represent his region, and New South Wales, with distinction at representative level before being selected for Australia.

Garside was also an avid cricketer and worked as a milkman throughout his decorated life.

The Garside family name is synonymous with Granville Soccer football and Garside Park, the former home ground of the Granville Magpies, is named in honour of his father Frank Sr. 

Due to his contribution to Granville football, the Alan Garside Cup is now a feature of the Granville & Districts Soccer Football Association’s annual calendar for U-15 mixed teams.

Recently, Football Australia, together with former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, visited Garside in Sydney to present him with a Socceroos jersey and acknowledge his contribution to Australian football history.

Many of Garside’s family and friends came out for the occasion, and shared with Football Australia many moments from his career through a variety of pictures, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia such as his national team selection letters.

View the video above to learn more about Garside’s life, football career, and passion for the green and gold.

Football Australia extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to Alan Garside’s immediate family and friends.