It is inevitable that we all experience life changing events that turn our world upside down. My world turned upside down as a spectator of my brother’s junior soccer team at Sunshine Heights Junior Soccer Club (SHJSC) in the 90s.
I hung upside down from the well-worn bar that separated soccer mad families from the juniors who donned their silky white and blue uniform and played it out on the soccer pitch. And I smiled. The crisp air filled our lungs, we cheered the players on, we ate piping hot chips, and even when we lost, we won. All that for being in an inverted pose. (And I got that feeling in my head just before I flipped off the bar. Why does a kid find pleasure in blood pooling in their head?!).
How does a rectangular patch of grass marked with white lines change lives, and what is the secret of its longevity? Simple. It gives young local residents an opportunity – a humble beginning. Consisting of two Senior squads in 1955 when the Sunshine Heights Soccer Club was formed, members introduced juniors during the 1960s. Since then, success has followed its young players. Some reached the elite level. Jeff Olver became the Goalkeeper for the Australian National Team from 1985 to 1989. John Markovski played with the Socceroos between 1994 and 1998 and represented Australia (U20 and U23) attending the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Andrew Marth represented Australia between 1991–2000.
Most junior soccer players who devoted their time on weeknights to train and on weekends to compete, grew into adults, committing their lives to their family, workplace and community. Some of them went on to instill a passion for soccer in their children. Active participation in competitive team sports like soccer passes from generation to generation because of what sporting clubs like SHJSC offer. Friendships that were made in the clubrooms have endured. Nostalgia long shared in yellowing photos of yesteryear. The simple things in life outrun any radical life changing events we face.
Junior players have been nurtured and supported by dedicated coaches and those in administrative roles over the years. Ordinary people making a big difference in young lives. One of the club’s longest serving volunteers and local resident, John Valente, has had various roles including coach and committee member. Mr Valente has dedicated 20 years of service to the club, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Current President, Bec Baschiera, first joined SHJSC as a player in 1994 and has since returned multiple times with her daughters. Bec was voted in as president last year. Ms Baschiera is truly honoured to be part of the club’s milestone, as she strongly believes in the mission and values of the organisation. “There is a powerful African proverb that says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’” she says, emphasising the vital role a community plays in shaping the future of its children. “Running a junior soccer club is no different – it requires the collective support, involvement, and care of the entire community”, she says. “Everyone’s participation not only contributes to the success of the club but also demonstrates to all our players the importance of being active, confident, and engaged in the beautiful game, regardless of age, ability, or gender.”
This junior soccer club, much like a soccer ball, is closely stitched together by the threads of the hearts of local residents. Members of the club, past and present, celebrated the 70 year anniversary in March.
