For Sebastian Paragalli, football has been a part of life for as long as he can remember. From the age of six, he has been kicking a ball around, guided and inspired by his family’s passion for the game. That journey came to a dramatic climax this weekend in the Under-18s Capital Football grand final, where Gungahlin United fell narrowly to Brindabella Blues 2–1, but Paragalli’s performance left a lasting impression.
Soccer runs deep in Paragalli’s family. “I got into football through my family,” he said. “Everyone in the household has always been involved in soccer. I wanted to follow in their footsteps, and that inspired me to stick with it from a young age. It’s been my whole life since I started.”
Despite the loss, Paragalli spoke proudly of Gungahlin’s performance. The Blues struck first, putting United on the back foot. Yet the team refused to give up, mounting a second-half comeback that saw them equalise before ultimately conceding the winner late in the match. Paragalli played a central role in midfield, helping his teammates maintain structure and control, and pushing forward whenever possible.
Preparation for a game as important as a grand final goes beyond just training, and Paragalli is meticulous about both physical and mental readiness. “I made sure I ate enough to have energy for the game,” he explained. “Mentally, I prepared by listening to music and getting myself in the right mindset. You have to approach a grand final like any other match, but also focus on being calm, confident, and ready for anything.”
For Paragalli, Gungahlin United is more than just a club it is a team he loves and would “die” for. “We’re a close-knit group. Everyone has each other’s backs, and we play with pride and passion. Being part of this team is an honour and a privilege, and that was evident on the grand final day.”
His efforts throughout the season were recognised when he was awarded Player of the Year, a milestone he described as humbling and motivating. “It’s an honour to be recognised individually, but football is a team sport. I wouldn’t be here without my teammates. Everything we’ve achieved is built together.”
When asked about advice for the next generation of male players, Paragalli was straightforward and heartfelt. “Work hard, stay focused, and believe in yourself. If you put in the effort and stick with it, hopefully things can come true. Soccer is about dedication, resilience, and enjoying every step of the journey.”
Looking forward, Paragalli’s ambitions are clear: to build on the season and return stronger next year. “As a team, our goal is to win next year. We know what we’re capable of, and this grand final loss will motivate us even more. We want to keep growing as players and as a team.”
Despite the heartbreak of a narrow defeat, Paragalli remains proud of his performance and his teammates. “It was a tough game, but we left everything on the field. That’s all you can do. I’m proud of the team, and we’ll come back even stronger.”
On a sunny, vibrant grand final day, Gungahlin United showed spirit, resilience, and the kind of passion that defines Canberra junior football. While the scoreboard may not have gone their way, players like Sebastian Paragalli are a reminder that the next generation of football talent is ready, capable, and hungry for success.
Words: Charli Fiddes
