West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook kicking goals
The start of the year is a busy time for all grassroots football clubs as West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook FC will testify.
The Lions are one of the largest amateur football clubs in New South Wales with over 1,400 registered players in the Gladesville Hornsby Football Association and the North West Sydney Women’s Football Association.
“Like all community based, not for profit organisations, the challenges are around trying to provide a professional and highly efficient club” said President Stuart Zalunardo.
“We are blessed to have a dedicated and hard working committee, who do a fantastic job, but we are always looking for more volunteers, especially given the size of our club”.
Founded in February 1969, as part of the West Pennant Hills Sports Club, the football division fielded 13 teams in it’s inaugural season and played it’s first match at Booth Park in Beecroft on 12 April 1969.
Since that day, it has been onwards and upwards as the club went from strength to strength passing a catalogue of milestones along the way.
In 1986, the club was renamed West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook Soccer Club, becoming a separate entity from the sports club. Womens’ football was introduced in 1995 and the lion was adopted as the club’s emblem in the following season. The Lions membership reached 1,000 players in 1998. In 2004, the club registered 100 teams across the Gladesville Hornsby Football Association and the North West Sydney Women’s Football Association.
In 2009, as part of the club’s 40th anniversary celebration, the Lions changed their name again to West Pennant Hill-Cherrybrook Football Club.
The club now offers competitive and non-competitive football for boys and girls, men and women from Under 6s to Over 45s. Under 6s to Under 10s play non-competitive football under the rules of the AIA Vitality Mini Roos format (formerly known as Small Sided Games).
“Having a large playing base always allows us to find the right team for all of our members, in terms of skill, friends and competitive, as well as non-competitive, football” said Zalunardo.
As memberships grow, so does the need for playing fields. A successful club is dependent on a good relationship with local councils, a point not lost on Zalunardo. “We have a strong relationship with Hornsby Council, who provide all our playing grounds and facilities, for which we are greatly appreciative.”
Speaking to Zalunadro, the role of West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook FC in it’s community is clearly apparent. “We have an excellent relationship with local schools and the broader community” he said. An example of this is the club’s Special Needs Football Program, for children with intellectual disabilities. The program is designed to help children enjoy the excitement of team sport. “It is a fantastic program for children and teens with mental and/or physical disabilities. Our club is extremely proud of this program” enthused Zalunardo.
“We also participate in the ‘Boots for Africa’ initiative and provide strips and equipment to developing countries, to build the game of football”.
A progressive and forward looking club, West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook are not content to rest on their laurels. “We are always looking for things to improve. Our goal is not to be the biggest club, but to be the best in terms of administration, player development and coaching” emphasised Zalunardo.
“Most importantly, we want people to enjoy football in a welcoming and friendly environment” proclaimed Zalunardo. If the club maintain that attitude, the Lions will be roaring for many years to come.
West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook FC would like to thank their sponsors from their ongoing support – Crystal Pools, Century21 West Pennant Hills, St George Bank, West Pennnant Hills Sports Club, The Basement, 42 Bannerman Trattoria and Bar and Bar la me.
If you would like more information about the club or the Special Need Football Program, please visit their website www.wphcfc.net.au
For more information on the Boots for Africa charity, please visit www.bootsforafrica.com.au
-By Ram Siva
