Gisborne City AFC was an association football club in Gisborne, New Zealand. Founded in 1939 as Eastern Union, the club changed its name to Gisborne City after winning the Central Districts League at the first attempt in 1967.[1]
 | |||
| Full name | Gisborne City Association Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1939 as Eastern Union AFC | ||
| Ground | Childers Road Reserve | ||
| Capacity | 1655 | ||
History
As Eastern Union, the club had competed in the Chatham Cup since the early 1950s, and reached the semi-final (and North Island Final) in 1957, losing to eventual champions Seatoun 3–1.
Gisborne set the New Zealand record for the most players from one club to be chosen for the New Zealand national football team to compete at a FIFA World Cup. Five players were selected to participate in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain.
In 1984, Gisborne became the first team from outside New Zealand's three biggest cities Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch to win the national championship.
Chelsea connection
The Chelsea song "Blue is the Colour" was adopted as the clubs anthem.
The following former Chelsea FC players also played for Gisborne City:
Honours
National
Champions (1) 1984
Champions (1) 1987
- New Zealand Challenge Trophy
Champions (1) 1985[4]
- Air New Zealand Cup
Champions (1) 1984[4]
Exhibition matches
1982: vs 
Bournemouth 0-4[5]
Notable players
World Cup All Whites
The following players represented the New Zealand national team also known as the All Whites at a FIFA World Cup whilst playing for Gisborne City:[6]
Kenny Cresswell- John Hill
- Keith Mackay
- Brian Turner
- Grant Turner (did not play due to injury upon arrival in Spain)