Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A massive shout out to Bennelong's very own the NWS Spirit Football Club, who have just been crowned premiers in the National Premier League New South Wales. As a proud local soccer dad and a self-confessed football tragic, I could not be happier to see the Spirit succeed. From early days, only establishing in 2005 as the Gladesville spirit, the club has grown with our community, and their premiership win is a fitting reward for years of hard work on and off the pitch.

It wasn't just the men's team who shone this season. The NWS Spirit women's team may have missed the finals, but they finished with a statement—a 3-1 win over Football NSW Institute's first-grade side. That kind of result shows the depth and determination that makes this club so special for men and women, boys and girls.

There are some exciting things to come. Christie Park is the Spirit's home ground, and it's set for a huge $1.9 million upgrade, funding five new synthetic futsal courts—funded by the Albanese Labor government. When I was mayor, I planned for this park and funded the construction of stages 1 and 2, and now, as their federal MP, I hope this will truly be the home of football for the north-west. It'll make it even better—good facilities make for good results for football. To coach David Perkovic, chair Frank Marchi, deputy chair Tony Melham, and every player at that wonderful club—congratulations. You've made Bennelong proud.