Walter Chichkan

Welcome to episode 77 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. 

Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages.

Walter Chichkan is our interviewee in episode 77. He was born in the Ukraine in 1938 and after surviving World War II, his Family came out to Australia on the 1st of August 1949. He grew up in the football village of Balgownie and it is here that his football career started at Balgownie Public School. 

After a period of time Walter then played fullback with the historic Balgownie Club in U14s and in U16s. Although he wanted to play in the goalkeeper position like his idol and big brother Victor, Walter was highly successful in representing his district and state at fullback in junior representative teams.

Walter joined Woonona-Bulli in the State League as a 17 year old in 1955. He broke into the first team that year playing nine games as a defender. Astoundingly in 1956 Walter then became the first grade goalkeeper for Woonona-Bulli, an amazing transition, which fulfilled his ambition of playing in goals. In 1957 and 1958 he continued to play for Woonona-Bulli, however in 1959 he re-joined his hometown club Balgownie in state league and played here until 1962.

After a year off in 1963 Walter then played goalkeeper at Helensburgh, Wollongong Olympic, Coledale and lastly with Fairy Meadow where he retired in 1971. In 1972 he became a referee in the IDSA competitions and did this for a year. In 1977 he joined the Fairy Meadow SC as a committee member. Walter was with Fairy Meadow until 1986 and he was a large part of their success in the late 1970s in the IDSA competition and in the 1980s in the NSW State league competitions. Plus I briefly speak to Walter about coaching his son and other players at Balgownie Junior Soccer Club.

I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Walter’s football journey. I have sincere respect and thanks for the time Walter gave up to do this interview and for allowing me into his home. And I must thank Walter’s son John for setting up the interview and for transferring 1950s Illawarra football film into digital files. Please note it is John’s voice you can occasionally hear in the background during the interview. Please enjoy episode 77!