Lidcombe father of 10, Bill Soliola says they play from 7.45pm in summer and 5pm in winter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with as many as 100 young males and females as well as mums, dads and grandfathers rocking up to have a ball on any one night.
“With our youngest player aged about eight, there are lots of young families turning up with their children and trying to instil healthy lifestyle routines into their young ones early,” he said.
“This is also a great opportunity to keep teens off the street, engaged in their community and feeling good about themselves.”
It doesn’t cost anything to play but the organiser volunteers are having to cover the annual $2,000 park and lighting charge.
“So we fundraise to cover the cost through Friday night barbecues,” Bill said.
One of the positive influences, Bill’s daughter and NRLW player Monalisa Soliola, 18, also joins in on the fun.
“She is presently in the Bulldogs Harvey Norman’s Women’s side, after coach Luke Goodwin worked hard getting the side back into the Premiership after a four-year absence,” Bill said
“Families or individuals are invited to come down and join in the fun; just turn up on the night.”
