The Gungahlin United Football Club began modestly in 1997 with around 120 players in 12 junior teams. From these humble beginnings the club has grown in less than a decade to 830 junior players in 83 teams with boys and girls as young as 4 years of age playing the round ball game. In addition, this season the club entered the senior's competition with 130 registered players in 8 teams.
The club is growing at a rate of over 100 registered players a year and will soon be one of the largest participation sporting clubs in Canberra. The club currently has almost 150 girls and women as registered players and expects that this number will also continue to grow.
In what was a very successful year for the club premierships were won by the Under 12 Division 1 Mixed and the Under 13 Girls teams with the Under 16 Division 2 Mixed runners' up.
Not to be outdone, the seniors made an outstanding debut with the Women's Masters team undefeated throughout the season being the Minor Premiers and Premiers. The Men's Division 3 team also took out their Premiership.
"The Gungahlin United Football Club is a fantastic example of the community coming together" Mary said "with a core of 20 volunteers undertaking the logistical and co-ordinating roles and a similar number undertaking coaching roles."
"At a time when we hear about children being more interested in computer games than the "real thing" it is great to see so many young people really enjoying themselves while having healthy exercise and also learning important life skills like team work" Mary said.
"I had the opportunity of attending both the junior and senior presentation functions and to experience the level of community spirit that was evident at both events and I am looking forward to continuing my involvement with the club."
Gallery 2006 Image 37
