Thursday, 29 May 2025

Members statements

Upfield Soccer Club

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (09:52): Last Friday night I attended the Upfield Soccer Club seniors match alongside the hardworking members for Greenvale and Broadmeadows, Iwan Walters and Kathleen Matthews-Ward. We were delighted to see the club’s oval lighting delivered through our government’s investment in community sports infrastructure. But this club is more than a sports team; it is a social anchor, a multicultural success story and a proud institution in Melbourne’s north.

Founded over 40 years ago by members of the Greek community, Upfield Soccer Club has grown into one of Victoria’s most diverse and inclusive clubs, with over 300 players, many from refugee and migrant backgrounds across the Middle East and in particular Iraq. Led ably by president Walid Hanna and supported by major sponsor Simon, the club builds confidence, creates connection and welcomes new arrivals into the heart of our community. It is also expanding multicultural programs, running family events and providing youth mentoring and volunteer pathways to support broader community engagement.

The club is now seeking support for a range of upgrades, including redeveloping the ovals and, at the top of the list, a new women’s change room to ensure girls and women have equal access to safe, modern facilities. I look forward to working with Hume City Council and the club to make this happen. I am proud of our government’s record of investing over $3.7 million into more than 700 clubs and organisations to boost women’s and girls’ participation in sport. Clubs like Upfield are the backbone of our suburbs, and we will be backing them.