Campbeltown United Church is one Super Dooper club
Theirs is a unique view more associated with post match dealings than on the field play, extending past World Cups, Copa Libertadores and the Champions League. For this U/6?s team, football has, amongst other things, one special meaning: nice cold Super Doopers after a hard fought match.
The Campbeltown United Church Soccer Club, who has existed in the local competition for over 33 years, is testament of grassroots football across Australia. With simple initiatives such as ice blocks after a match and an open doors policy for all players, the church affiliated club is a perfect example of the foundation football has in this country. The club boasts 27 teams, 358 registered players, 2 full size fields, a shared mini field and a friendly environment where parents are encouraged to have their input.
With Round one of the Macarthur local competition officially kicking off on Saturday, 4th April, 2009, the club has begun their trial game campaign, with no other than the U/6?s leading the charge. Monique Keogh, the manager of the club?s youngest team, is delighted with the pre-season preparation and the performance of the boys.
?The boys are wonderful, they have so much fun and so does everybody watching. It?s a shame no one was videotaping their last match, as it could have been a finalist in Australia?s Funniest Home Videos,? laughed Koegh.
Although the scores are not important for teams at such a young age, with the objective being one of learning of the rules and how the game is played, the Campbeltown United Church youngsters did manage a 3-3 draw and a 5-3 lose against the Lepington Lions in their first match.
The team, run by coach James Lawson and assisted by Chantelle Reardon are happy in knowing help is never too far away.
?The parents are great, they are always happy to help and it?s these things which will make the upcoming season so special,? said Koegh.
The theme behind Campbeltown Uniting Church Soccer Club is one of acceptance, with the club welcoming of all players. Mark Davis, the president of the club, believes the organisation is doing everything it can in order that all players have a fair chance.
?This club is all about giving those wishing to play football and be part of a team the opportunity to do so. We are about promoting a healthy lifestyle and letting sport be sport without the politics,? said Davis.
According to Lillian Homer, the club secretary, it is the clubs commitment to helping players develop their game that makes them so eager to return the following year.
?It is common for teams to only need to fill a handful of spots due to players moving on to different teams. Many times, such as this year, we have had to make two teams in age groups such as the girls U/ 16?s because there were so too many players for one team? said Homer.
?When you have a club where the under 16?s coach, [Terry Hart] is volunteering his time for one hour every Friday to help goalkeepers develop their game, you know you have a very good club on your hands.?
The players recognize the efforts by parents and staff and have a positive attitude towards the club. Kimberly Homer a winger for the women?s all age says she is more than delighted to be part of such an amazing association.
?It is my third year at Campbeltown United Church Soccer Club and I know it won?t be my last. All the coaches, parents and other players make it such a fun environment to be in.?
The club has recently had some success off the field with a sponsorship deal with Telstra worth $1,200, thanks to the help of one dedicated parent who currently works for the telecommunication giants. The money helped purchase new soccer balls and kit five teams in new team jerseys. Further monies have been donated by local businesses while the canteen, the clubs main source of income, has also seen the remaining 22 teams revamped in their new team outfits. Davis was able to secure a good price from Sport Shirt International and believes the club is heading in the right direction.
?The club was facing some difficult times 12 months ago, but now with the right members on board, interest from businesses, a professionally run canteen and a steady flow of players already registered for the 2009 season, Campbeltown United Soccer Club is on the right path to success.?
For now, the teams will prepare for the club?s 34th season in the local league, the coaches and parents will continue finding time to help develop their players, while the canteen will do it?s best to keep the Super Doopers nice and frozen for the upcoming match.
-By Caetano Lima
