Every weekend, family ties are strengthened between reserve and league teams.
That is certainly the case at Courbelup Football Club, where many of the players and spectators are related to each other.
Tempest Park, 20 kilometers south of Perth, is home to most of the Aboriginal footballers competing in the Perth Football League’s southern region competition.
Club president Luke Newton said everyone was welcome, especially those coming as a family.
Coolbelup club president Luke Newton said the players and their families all contribute to making the club better.
“I think there were maybe six or seven at one stage, but that’s only this year,” Newton said.
“I would run out of fingers to count the fathers and sons who have spent time at this club.
Newton said the club’s strong family ties strengthened social ties and community spirit.
“We are mostly indigenous people.
“It’s not just the players, it’s the family, they all contribute to making this club a better club.”
According to Cyril Jones, some players travel far to play together.
“I live south of the River. It’s about a 25 minute drive and I don’t mind seeing the boys,” Jones said. “Every time you come here, they make you smile. It feels like home.”
“I learned a lot from playing with him.”
Cyril Jones Jr. will be the fourth generation to bear his name.
He’s only 16 and hopes to one day play at the highest level. He currently plays in league-grade midfield alongside his father, Cyril Sr.
Cyril Jr. said, “It feels really good to be outside and play with my dad.”
“When I played, he was always there to teach me and I learned more by playing with him.
“All my cousins and uncles come here to hang out. Words can’t describe the feeling of running outside with my brothers and dads.” [and] My uncle is just a villain. ”
Noongar brothers Daniel and Jonathan Ford grew up watching their father play at the home of the Coolbelup Cats.
Daniel Ford plays alongside his father to keep the family tradition alive for future generations.
“Kicking with my son has always been my goal, and even with my brother and his son… I get goosebumps every time I go out on the field and kick with my son,” he said.
His namesake, 17-year-old Daniel Ford Jr., also loves hanging out with his family.
“I love it and I’m glad I’m doing it because you don’t see it very often.
“I never thought I would be playing football with my dad, so it feels like a dream come true,” said Daniel Ford Jr.
Noongar Daniel and Jonathan Ford brothers continue the family tradition of playing football together.
Noongar woman Lucinda Newton also has a long family history of being in the club. She now plays for the women’s team and said she loves watching her son follow his game.
“I used to watch my uncle play here when I was a kid,” Newton said.
“My brother and I used to play here as juniors and now I can play too and I can see my son playing alongside his uncle and cousin.
“Everyone is here when it’s a home game. Everyone feels part of the game when they’re playing and when they’re watching.”
Family comes first at this football club.
Noongar woman Lucinda Newton plays for the women’s team and loves watching her son play.
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/this-wa-football-club-is-proof-that-families-who-play-together-stay-together/gayvqreg4 This Washington State football club is proof that families who play together stay together
