Written by the FLC Correspondent
The ‘heart and soul’ of Footscray Lacrosse Club (FLC), Bradley Mollison, has been awarded the club’s highest honour of Life Membership for distinguished service.
Bradley has attended FLC since he was a baby at training sessions and on the sidelines while his mum played. Although born with Williams Syndrome, this hasn’t stopped him from doing anything, or at least having a go. He is extremely social and seemingly knows every person in the lacrosse community in Australia and many internationally.
Bradley’s contribution to the Footscray club is immeasurable, FLC president Lachlan Williams said. He has attended more than 2000 training sessions and games, and played Summer Competitions, ‘Come and Try games’, the Lacrosse Victoria 2022 Pride Cup and was goalkeeper in boys Box Lacrosse this season. He has been an unofficial coach, water boy for the State League men’s and women’s teams for more than 10 years, helped mark the grounds with his dad since he could walk and makes a speech at most FLC events. He has also been involved with many Victorian teams and Australian squads as water boy and ball boy, and is always happy to help.
Bradley has been a constant source of support and encouragement for the players, coaches, committee members and supporters during his lifetime at the club, Mr Williams said. He has brought much joy and happiness to all lacrosse people with his infectious, friendly nature.
Bradley’s FLC Life Membership was presented at the club’s AGM in December, which was attended by several family members who were thrilled for him. Bradley’s close and extended family has been a big part of the club since the late 1960s, with several other family members awarded Life Memberships over the years.
Mr Williams said “Bradley is the ‘heart and soul’ of the club. “Whenever anyone comes to the club, Brad is always first to say hello with a huge smile on his face. His spirit is infectious, and he really epitomises everything great about our club,” he said.
Box lacrosse has also been a cause for celebration at the club this year, with several senior players – including women in the first Victorian women’s box team – in undefeated Victorian teams in the 2023 Lacrosse Australia Box Lacrosse National Championship, held at the Alan Lewer Box Lacrosse Court in Altona North.
The Victorian Women’s Team included seven players from Footscray – co-captains Meghan Mollison and Sarah Mollison, Sayaka Higa (Beni), Mihiri Dharmabandu, Marlee Kukucka, Ebony Norman and Kiera Whiley, coached by FLC member Greg Mollison. Beni was awarded the MVP for the final, where the Victorian team defeated Western Australia 12-9. Four FLC players were represented in the Victorian Men’s team — Chris Plumb, Lucas Parsons-Quintiao, Aaron Aldred and Blake Watson — which defeated South Australia 19-8.
Mr Williams said the FLC players made history at the event. “It was a big moment for our club and sport to see the inaugural women’s event played, and a proud occasion for Footscray with such great representation,” he said.
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