Carol Berry (Whitlam, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to congratulate Albion Park Football Club on achieving a wonderful milestone: its 50th anniversary. The club was small when it was established in 1975 by Neil Young, Robert Musgrove and John Synott, but it grew significantly during the 1980s as the local population increased, and this growth has continued into the 21st century.

Today, Albion Park Football Club has more than 900 registered players, and it makes a valuable contribution to our community. Other sports may receive more television coverage, but football is the most widely played team sport in Australia and is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

I note that Albion Park Football Club has contributed to the youth careers of two Socceroos, Luke Wilkshire and Stephen Laybutt, as well as the current Matilda's megastar, Caitlin Foord. The club has won numerous trophies since its first silverware in 1990. I would like to make special mention of the extraordinary success of the senior women's teams during the 2010s, including state cups and champion of champions titles.

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the gala dinner held to celebrate this golden anniversary. The club has gone from strength to strength over half a century, and it has a bright future. The culture of the club is wonderful and a credit to all involved. I congratulate the hardworking, long-serving current president, Simon Sciberras, and all the volunteers who've contributed to making this great community club so fantastic over the last 50 years.

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