Mary Porter recently accepted the challenge issued by the Gungahlin United Football Club to field a team from the Legislative Assembly to play for a specially commissioned perpetual trophy.
The game was part of the GUFC's Gala Day and aimed at promoting greater interaction between those who represent Gungahlin in the Legislative Assembly and members of the community. The event also raised funds for Camp Quality.
While Mary's team, which included fellow MLAs Andrew Barr, Bill Stefaniak and Zed Seselja and members of their staff, put their political differences aside for the day, they were unable to match the overall ball skills and fitness levels of the GUFC.
Despite this, it was a great day and plans are already under way for next year's return clash.
Gungahlin United Football Club has 110 teams with boys and girls as young as 4 among the 1,000 juniors who play for the club. There are also 130 senior players and is the fastest growing sporting club in the Territory.
"With our continued concern over the fitness of our young people it is important that we do all that we can to encourage children to be actively involved in all sorts of physical activity , " Mary said.
"Being part of a sporting club is a great way for people to become involved in their community," Mary continued, "and volunteers are vital for any not for profit organisation."
"Clubs like GUFC are always in need of committed volunteers to be coaches, team managers and board members and I encourage people to really get involved in their community. I promise you will get much more out of it than you put in."
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