Kabbara flying the flag at Punchbowl United FC

Punchbowl United FC’s influential Vice President and well known Canterbury & District Soccer Football Association volunteer Youcef Kabbara was a torn man when he was told the news that football was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the globe in March this year.

The 39-year-old was all systems go after a busy off-season with his Punchbowl United volunteer troops on fulfilling yet another positive year but then tragedy struck when the virus crisis broke.

“I watched the COVID-19 situation very closely during the entire period, waiting for a miracle to happen, more importantly waiting for the return of community football.

“I remember seeing a media release from Rugby League who hinted on a return to community competitions in July.

“To many, this was pie in the sky stuff however, I remained very optimistic and kept rallying the troops at Punchbowl United for a possible resumption of community sport in July. Preparations did not stop and our committee members were in regular communication with one another via Zoom meetings.

“When it was announced that training restrictions were eased and that community football would commence in July subject to very stringent COVID Safe guidelines, I was over the moon and said to my wife “I’ll see you again in October”. She knows exactly how committed and passionate I become when the winter football season commences.

“The absence of football during the COVID-19 era had left a big hole in my life as well as every other club volunteer that I know.

“Whilst our jobs are sometimes thankless, the social interaction element during the football season cannot be replaced with anything else.

“The smiles on the kids’ faces on game day, particularly after winning a game is priceless.

“The parents and grandparents’ moments of joy watching their children or grandchildren play the world game cannot be matched in the virtual online world.

“I have missed football so much that I’ve promised myself to continue serving football until I’m 100 years of age.”

Kabbara has played an instrumental role in the running of the Punchbowl United ever since its inaugural 2018 season across a number of areas getting the club to where it is today.

“I have been involved with Punchbowl United since the club’s first season in 2018.

“Our club’s objective is to promote and encourage sportsmanship, teamwork and build character.

“We provide a controlled and safe environment for our families and players to not only play the great game of football but to also be part of our wider club community.

“Part of my role as a volunteer with Punchbowl United is to assist the club in obtaining sponsorships from local businesses, to subsidise the registration fees of disadvantaged children within our local footprint and to assist the club in buying new playing strips and equipment for our players every season.

“I work closely with new and emerging communities in our region to recommend the great game of football within their respective community organisations.

“Some of the other roles I assist with include but are not limited to are answering general inquiries, handling complaints, setting up and packing up of fields, cooking BBQ’s and assisting with new player registrations.

“Prior to this, I was the president of Australian National Sports Club from 2014-2018.

“I am also the current Senior Vice President and a Life Member with Canterbury Referees Association as well as a board member with the Canterbury & District Soccer Football Association.”

Kabbara was proud to promote his admiration and support towards his fellow 40 club volunteers who continue to rinse out hours week in week out ensuring the club was adhering to its participants.

“We have approximately 40 club volunteers at Punchbowl United FC which include coaches, managers and committee members.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our game and without them, the game simply would not exist.

“Clubs who have created a culture of volunteering, year on year are much more likely to be successful, achieve their goals, be more fun and enjoyable to be a part of, have more social benefits and above all have a strong sense of belonging between the club and its participants.

“In the Canterbury Association, the CDSFA honours and recognises club volunteers every year at its Volunteer Recognition Dinner. I was privileged to have received a Cec Barlow Award in 2015 at the CDSFA’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner for my volunteer work with the Canterbury Referees Association.

“Another highlight of my career was receiving the Western Sydney Wanderers Chairman Award in 2016 for my ongoing contribution to the football community of Western Sydney, through a significant increase of players throughout the 2015 season during my time at Australian National Sports Club.”

The well-respected volunteer first found football as an eight-year-old where he’d registered to play the world game.

It was also his Middle Eastern heritage that pushed him towards playing the greatest game on earth.

“I have been involved in the game of football since I was 8 years old as a junior player in the Canterbury District. Not being the most talented player in the world, I decided to take up officiating at the age of 14 on the advice of my mentor, the late Abdallah Tabbaa.

“After marriage at the age of 23, I have continuously been involved in the administration side of the game. These days, I also drive around from park to park watching my own children play the world game. I particularly enjoy watching my 8-year-old son Ibrahim who has a great passion for football.

“My love for football came from my Middle Eastern heritage. My parents migrated to Australia from Lebanon where football is “the game”. I grew up watching the World Cup and following Brazil. These days I am a huge Western Sydney Wanderers supporter.”

Kabbara and co are busily preparing for the return of football from the 1st of July where he will once again see Punchbowl Park full of life thanks to the world game.