Complete with a ‘tattoo’ artist who raised $200 in small donations for the kids cancer charity Canteen, the day saw five midi-fields set up with the young players putting on an entertaining showcase for friends, family and the community.
Played at home ground Coleman Park, nestled in between the driving range and tennis courts on Henry Lawson Drive in Georges Hall, each team played three non-competitive games.
However, being non-competitive doesn’t deter the girls, according to Thistles FC President Ben Fitzgerald. “Each game was fierce and fun,” he said.
“Our association, the Bankstown District Amateur Football Association, organises a day a season for a club to host one of the football grades with a gala day and the beauty is that as well as getting experience, win or lose, the junior players have such a great time.
“An important life lesson which football teaches you is that you can’t always win and so we celebrate a loss as much as a win.”
A huge part of community sport since 1957, Thistles FC predominantly is a junior football club but also boasts competitive sides in men’s and women’s grades.
Fitzgerald said the majority of the young players were from the local schools.
“I’m in absolute awe of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to manage these days; the gala day ran so smoothly and the kids had an absolute ball,” he said.
“I’d like to say we have room for more players but our teams are full this season which speaks volumes for our club.”
Thistles enjoy U8/9 gala success
WITH a jumping castle, lolly bar, coffee truck and a delicious Kahil Meats barbecue, Georges River Thistle Football Club has staged a successful U8/9 Gala Day (pictured).
