Sally Sitou (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Founded in 1965 by a passionate group of football-loving locals, the Abbotsford Juniors Football Club transformed a former waste disposal site—what is now Campbell Park—into a place where generations of children have enjoyed football. Since then, the club has stayed true to its roots, putting local kids and community at its heart. They're now the largest football club in the city of Canada Bay and a powerhouse of grassroots sports. I'll be attending their celebrations this weekend to mark their 60th anniversary, where the club will recognise Stan Blake, the sole surviving founding member, and his son, Gary, an original member of the club. Among those celebrating this milestone will be players from the club's first premiership-winning female team.

The club has a proud history. It also has a bold future. This year, it reached 46 per cent female participation in its youth teams, a huge leap towards its gender equity goals and well above the national average. To the Abbotsford Juniors Football Club—the volunteers, players, coaches and parents—I say: thank you for 60 years of community inclusion and passion for the game. Special thanks to the extraordinary efforts of president Chris Williamson and vice president Nick Ancona, who have been the driving force behind this club.

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