Founded in 1883, Balgownie is believed to be the oldest running association football club in Australia.

[1][2][3] Balgownie Rangers is the oldest running registered association football club in Australia, being formed in 1883.

Some include James ‘Judy’ Masters (who is listed in the Football Australia Hall of Fame), Tom Thompson, Dave Ward and Frank Smith in the early 1900s, George Barlow in the 1950s and more recently Matt Horsley who went on to captain the Wollongong Wolves, win 4 National Soccer League titles and also represent Australia.

Matt has recently retired his footballing career after finishing as captain of Perth Glory during December 2005.

[4] As Safeway United was already competing in Division One, for the 1975 season it was decided the clubs would pool their resources, merging as a single entity but playing under the Balgownie Rangers moniker, with Balgownie effectively absorbing Safeway United.