CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms SITOU (Reid) (09:44): Across Australia, the Matildas and Socceroos have inspired a new generation to love football. But, before the stadium lights come on, that love begins on local pitches with the help of volunteers. They arrive early to unlock gates and stay late to pack away cones.
They organise teams, wash jerseys, answer messages and ensure every child has someone cheering them on. They do it quietly week after week, not for recognition but because they believe every person deserves a place to belong. That spirit lives at Concord Junior Soccer Club, a part of our community for more than 100 years and now home to more than a thousand members.
For a young person pulling on a Concord Juniors jersey, the club offers far more than a game. It is where confidence grows, friendships begin and children learn resilience and teamwork. None of this happens by accident.
For 10 years, president Mick Horseman has helped hold the club together. Through COVID and the pressures facing community sport, he kept people connected and kept them playing the great game. Through the Game Leader program, he is now helping young people become referees and leaders themselves.
Vicki Rhodes has been the club's heart and soul for eight years. Her care is felt in the countless small acts that turn a sporting club into a community. Concord Juniors would not be the wonderful community club it is today without your leadership.
You have both poured thousands of hours into that club—supported throughout it all by Danny Coral, Michael Stavrou, Mark Byrne, Gary, Rocco, Dom, Bobby, Marisa, Ross and Craig, who give their time and skills so others can take to the field. Volunteers generously support Russell Lea Women's Soccer Club. It's an inclusive place where girls and women of every ability are welcomed and empowered.
It is a place where every player is welcomed, where a shy, young girl can discover her strength and know that she belongs. President Mariam Fabia has built that culture through leadership grounded in care. She says that every community club has someone everyone can turn to.
At Russell Lea that person is Ben Laws, a tireless advocate ensuring women and girls receive the opportunities and support they deserve. Alongside Vanessa Miller, Paul Mumford and Jae Hwang, they have built a fantastic community club. I say thank you to them.