On the edge of the Kaleen playing fields, where soccer balls echo off the fences and laughter from juniors’ spills into the air, there’s something quietly powerful unfolding at Belnorth Football Club.
A club born in the 1970s, Belnorth stands as one of Canberra’s most community-focused football institutions, rooted in grassroots values but constantly evolving toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
For Nick Walkzac, a familiar face around the grounds, Belnorth is more than a place to play it’s become a second home. Now an operations manager and committee member, Nick’s journey began like many others: as a parent just looking to help out.
“I got involved through my daughter,” he says. “I didn’t have much coaching experience, but I threw my hand up to help. From there, someone suggested joining the committee. I started as treasurer for a year, but I quickly realised operations was a better fit for me. That’s where I could really contribute.”
And contribute he has. Belnorth’s reputation today rests on the strength of its grassroots participation, with over 1,600 registered members from juniors to adults, men and women, across social and competitive divisions. While their higher-tier NPL club is Belconnen United, Belnorth’s heartbeat lies in the local community, with its culture grounded in inclusion, opportunity, and the joy of the game.
“We’ve always been about participation first,” Nick explains. “It’s not just about performance or elite pathways. It’s about making football accessible for everyone whether it’s your first season or your fifteenth.”
One of Belnorth’s standout achievements is its thriving adult presence. The club has seen strong growth in both men’s and women’s participation, with thier senior women’s teams competing including their standout return as back-to-back premiers in their division.
“It’s something we’re proud of,” Nick says. “We genuinely cater for the lower state levels, where people are playing for fun, fitness, and connection. It’s not always about going pro — it’s about loving the game.”
Belnorth’s commitment to inclusion shines through in practical ways too. Under the leadership of club president Ruth Parker, the club has made a strong push for accessibility, including initiatives such as offering uniforms that suit all body shapes and sizes, and running hardship programs to ensure cost-of-living challenges don’t keep anyone off the pitch.
“No one should miss out on playing because of money,” Nick says firmly. “That’s something we stand by. Football should be for everyone regardless of background.”
The club’s summer competition has also become a key part of its identity acting as a gateway for new members and an effective recruitment tool that keeps the community engaged all year round.
Looking forward, Nick believes the next chapter for Belnorth is about smart, steady growth. “We want to double down on what we’ve always done well invest in our people, our equipment, and our community.” That means continuing to focus on things like quality uniforms with club branding, professional presentation, and smart financial choices that allow for reinvestment in the playing experience.
But perhaps the most exciting development on the horizon? A new clubhouse in Kaleen has a long-term goal that’s gaining momentum thanks to grant writers, local support, and a shared belief in what Belnorth represents.
“The committee is what makes this place special,” Nick says. “We’ve got a team that works hard not for ego, not for reward but because we believe in the future of this club. We want to be the club of choice in Canberra.”
As players take to the pitch under the Belnorth banner balls flying, kids cheering, parents coaching from the sideline it’s clear that the club’s true strength doesn’t lie in silverware, but in something far more lasting: a commitment to people.
In a city full of football clubs, Belnorth is determined to stand out not just by how they play the game, but by who they invite to play it.
Words: Charli Fiddes
