Adrian Boothman’s great grandfather, Ernest Stephen Lukeman, father, Richard Stephen Boothman and his family lived at 75 Formosa Street Drummoyne for more than 100 years.
Ernest Stephen Lukeman was prominent in soccer circles in the late 1920s until his passing in 1936. He was the Secretary/Manager of the Australian Soccer Football Association and hosted visits by teams from England, New Zealand, Canada, China and Czechoslavakia.
In 2020 Adrian found a large commemorative plaque belonging to his late father hidden for many decades. It had been presented to his great grandfather Ernest Stephen Lukeman in 1927. In that year he had helped to co-ordinate a soccer players team from China to tour Australia.
Richard Stephen Boothman kindly donated priceless photographs to the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society. Sadly, Richard died of a heart attack at the corner of Church Street and Formosa Street Drummoyne on Sunday 7 February 2021.
In memory of his father and grandfather Adrian donated the commemorative plaque to the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society to recognise his family’s contribution to the Drummoyne community and Australian soccer. Councillor Andrew Ferguson had the commemorative plaque restored with a new frame and translation including the name title. A formal presentation to the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society to display the plaque in the City of Canada Bay Museum in Concord occurred on Tuesday 9 November 2021. This was during the COVID 19 pandemic.
To further celebrate Ernest’s contribution to soccer in Australia, the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society will be hosting a Panel discussion on Australian Football History, focusing on people like Ernest Stephen Lukeman and others who made Australian Football the success it is today.
Date: Wednesday 4th December
Time: 11.30 am for a 12 midday start
Venue: City of Canada Bay Heritage Society Museum, 1 Bent St Concord
The panelists will be:
- Craig Foster AM LLB, 419th Socceroo, 40th Captain; Adjunct Professor, Sport and Social Responsibility; Member, Australian Multicultural Council
- Trevor Thompson who has authored many Australian soccer books including an entire chapter on Ernest Stephen Lukeman’s role in Australian football in his book “Playing for Australia – The First Socceroos, Asia and World Football”.
- A representative from Football Australia
The panel will discuss broad themes in Australian Football during the 1920’s and how it impacts today as the true World Game.
If you would like to attend please RSVP to robertsonsally28@gmail.com or call on 0423316084.
Sally Jerapetritis
