Tuesday, 14 November 2023

 Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (14:47): (413) My constituency question is for the Minister for Community Sport. What funding programs are available to help support the Pascoe Vale Football Club? The first known Pascoe Vale soccer club was formed by British migrants in 1927 and later re-formed in 1966 by Armenian migrants from Macedonia. For almost 60 years the Pascoe Vale Rams have continued to grow and become one of the most dynamic and culturally diverse football clubs in the northern suburbs. Home to almost 40 teams, over 520 players and six women and girls teams made up of 90-plus players playing home games out of Hosken Reserve and Richards Reserve in Coburg North and CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner, the club continues to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for boys and girls of all ages and all abilities. As a long-time local footballer and goalkeeper I have had the pleasure of playing against and visiting the Rams on many occasions, including at their recent presentation night on 7 October. I pay tribute to the club’s entire volunteer community, including long-time president Lou Tona, secretary Athena Babo and all the committee members, coaches, team managers, families and players – and the goalkeepers – and they are looking for more funding opportunities for growth in women and girls playing.