Balgownie's favourite son, "Judy" Masters, was recognised as Australia's best soccer player during his time.

Judy was the seventh of 13 children; eight brothers and five sisters, all of whom were educated at Balgownie School.

Judy became a member of the "Bally Boys Band", playing solo cornet, which he displayed precocious talent at. He joined the Balgownie Rangers soccer team which still exists today.

Judy was at a disadvantage in that he was not tall and was lightly built. To overcome the "heavies" in that era he mastered the art of agility and ball control; he was very young when selected in the first team and was soon given the key position of centre forward.

At the age of 13, he started working with his father and older brothers at Corrimal Coal Mine.

In 1915, at 23, he joined the army and embarked on HMAT Ceramic A40. He served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France, where he became a stretcher bearer and bandsman.

After receiving a shoulder wound at Pozieres, Judy was allowed go to England for rehab where he met his English wife to-be, Annie Barraclough.

Judy, known as "The Little Master", resumed his sports career after his war service and from 1923 to 1928, he captained Australia in 22 international games against New Zealand, China (twice), Canada, English professionals and Czechoslovakia.

From the age of 15, he played 401 club matches and scored 351 goals. In more than 400 games, he was never cautioned.

Following his retirement from soccer, he maintained an interest in all local matters. He was bandmaster of Balgownie Brass Band for many years and always supported soccer in coaching and management positions; he continued this for the remainder of his life.

Judy also enlisted in World War II, in May 1942, and was discharged two years later as his "services were no longer required".

The Balgownie soccer ground was named in his honour: Judy Masters Park.

In 1981, he was inducted into the Hall of Champions at Homebush and in 1999 was honoured in the Australian Soccer Hall of Champions.