Recieved life membership in 1933.
An outstanding contributor to the early development and success of the Ainslie Football Club. Both on and off the field Williams was a constant from 1928 through to the decision in early 1942 to suspend senior participation for the duration of the war. Williams commenced playing for Ainslie in 1928 and played his last game in 1940 after announcing his retirement at the start of the 1937 season. He was 40 years of age when playing his last game.
A ‘brief’ summary of his playing career with Ainslie is as follows: 137 games, 2 Premierships 1929 and 1936, Best & Fairest 1929, Most Popular Player 1934, Most Reliable Player 1936, Honorary Coach and Vice-Captain 1930, Captain 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934, Vice-Captain 1935. Williams also had a meritorious ACT representative career playing in the 1930,1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936 teams. In 1933 he was awarded a trophy for the Most Meritorious Performance by a Canberra Player in the All-Australian Carnival.
Although these numbers and awards are significant, it was his strength of character in the early 1930’s and indeed during the whole of his involvement that is the most impressive. There was no doubt that Cliff Williams was a much-admired figure
By the ACT football community. In 1934 the Canberra Times reported that ‘the veteran Williams played the proverbial paddockful’. (CT 22 May 1934). Then prior to the 1936 Grand Final the Canberra Times paid the following tribute to Williams. ‘Should Ainslie win today’s match with its attendant premiership and championship none of its players will be more deserving than its pivot man, Cliff Williams, who led the very young and inexperienced Tricolours through the stormy seasons from which they have worked up to this year’s unparalleled achievement’. CT 26 September 1936.
Not content with his playing achievements Williams was an active member of the Football Committee from 1931 through to 1941. He was Secretary in 1938 and 1939 and Assistant Secretary 1940 and 1941. Add to this outstanding contribution Williams found time to be the owner of a successful sports store in the City Centre. At the time of his passing in 1975 Cliff Williams lived in Paterson Street Ainslie. An Ainslie man true and true!