Shepparton United Football & Netball Club 75th Anniversary Club History
The club we now proudly know as Shepparton United began its journey under a different name – City United. It was officially admitted to the Goulburn Valley Football League (GVFL) in 1950, emerging from the merger of the Shepparton Preserving Company Football Club (SPC) and Shepparton East Football Club, which had previously competed separately in the Central Goulburn Valley Football League.
City United kept the iconic red and blue colours, the hallmark of The Demons and continues to share Deakin Reserve with co-tenants, the Shepparton Football Club (The Bears).
One of the club’s earliest milestones was the construction of the H.T. Luck Pavilion, named in honour of Harry Luck, a former director of SPC and a significant figure in the club’s history.
From the beginning, City United made its mark winning the reserves grand final in its debut year (1950), a sign of things to come. Under the leadership of Kevin “Grumpy” Kenna, the senior team achieved a remarkable feat, claiming three consecutive premierships in 1954, 1955, and 1956. Another senior premiership followed in 1962, after back-to-back reserves titles in 1960–61.
The 1962 season also saw a turning point in leadership. With help from star player Thomas Jock Spencer, later named in North Melbourne’s Team of the Century, United secured the services of former Shinboner John Brady as coach, setting a new direction for the club.
In 1966, a subtle but meaningful name change marked a new era: City United officially became Shepparton United Football Netball Club!
