Holiday message from Capital Football Chair Fran Sankey 

It’s hard to believe 2019 is nearly over. As I look back on the year, it highlights for me the incredible commitment and sense of community we have in Canberra and the Capital Region through our shared love of football. I’m proud to be part of our football family.

Together, we faced the challenges of the new registration system. The dedication of all the volunteer administrators in our clubs is to be applauded as without them we would not function.

While our volunteers quietly go about their business it is nice to know that efforts do get recognised. Belwest Foxes’ Brian Golledge was recognised for his many years of volunteering and was a joint winner in the CBR Sports Awards for ‘Outstanding Service to Sport’.

Congratulations Brian and thank you to all the volunteers in our football community.

Together, we enjoyed football in all its forms – outdoor, futsal, power chair, and our newest form – Walking Football. Players, referees, coaches, administrators, volunteers, family and friends, from mini-roos to premier leagues we have cheered our teams and been entertained.

Together, we showed our support and commitment for a Hyundai A-League team for Canberra and showed how much we love football in the capital by supporting the Caltex Socceroos.

Together, we shared Karly Roestbakken’s journey to becoming a Westfield Matilda on the world stage at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and celebrated her achievement as a joint winner in the ‘Rising Star’ category in the CBR Sports Awards.

In 2019 we said goodbye to a number of people who, through their passion for football, have made a significant contribution to football in our region and left us in a better position.
• Former Capital Football Chairs and Directors, Mark O’Neill and Peter Maybury who between them have nearly 20 years on the Board;
• Antoni Jagarinec, coach of Belconnen Women’s Premier League team. While he achieved nine premierships in a row, his greatest achievement is the culture he built at the club and his advocacy for women’s football.
• Caitlin Munoz – a crowd favourite for the Westfield Matildas, Canberra United and Belconnen United and a role model for all young players in our region.

And while we say farewell to some, we also welcomed newcomers who are at the start their journey with us. We welcomed new Directors Grace Gill, Gary Vandeburgt and Jodie Newall, as well as members of the Standing Advisory Committees and Regional Representatives. Together we are responsible for the governance of Capital Football and we will launch the strategic plan for 2020-23 in the new year.

As I finish my message, I want to acknowledge the generosity of the football community to give to others less fortunate through the donations to the Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal and Salvation Army Toy Appeal. Thank you. Your contributions will make a difference.

I’d also like to thank Phil Brown and the team at Capital Football for their commitment to ensuring football happens each and every week. I hope you get the opportunity to get out and support our Canberra United teams in the Westfield W-league and Foxtel Y-League over the summer.

On behalf of the Board, best wishes to you and your family for a safe and enjoyable break. We look forward to 2020 and the exciting times ahead.

Fran Sankey
Chair