4 April 2025
HMAS Stirling Football Club celebrated a much-anticipated return to the soccer pitch with a commanding 9-1 victory over the Western Australian Police Football Club at Stirling.
Re-established in 2024 by Sub-Lieutenant Jack, the club has created opportunities for Navy personnel in WA to develop skills, build camaraderie, and connect with Navy Football pathways.
“Each and every player has committed to HMAS Stirling Football Club, and bought into what we are trying to establish,” Sub-Lieutenant Jack said.
“Building team cohesion and camaraderie is easy when you have a group who is so committed to their own development.”
HMAS Stirling Football Club provides development opportunities and pathways to Navy Football, allowing sailors and officers based in WA to train and play on a consistent basis.
While player development is at the forefront of the club mission, it is also important to the relationships and camaraderie built in the process between all members.
“The idea of re-establishing the HMAS Stirling Football Club came following the 2024 ADF Football Championships, as we found a large number of players came from the West, but had never had the opportunity to play together,” Sub-Lieutenant Jack said.
“Having regular training opportunities, and games when they become available, allows Navy members in WA to be exposed to and experience the Navy FFA [Football Federation Australia] ideas and styles long before they turn up to Navy Football events."
'Building team cohesion and camaraderie is easy when you have a group who is so committed to their own development.'
The match began well for HMAS Stirling Football Club, who took an early lead and maintained dominance throughout, with WA Police converting a late penalty.
Despite the result, Constable Harry Richings said WA Police appreciated the unique opportunity.
“We had a completely new squad for our fixture against HMAS Stirling Football Club. We were all super excited to play together for the first time,” Constable Richings said.
“To be given the opportunity to be allowed access and play on Garden Island was super special to us and we are all thankful for that experience.”
Fixtures such as the one played against the WA Police allowed both teams to see how they would measure up on the pitch and enabled members of both services to build relationships and professional networks through the 'World Game'.
The much-anticipated first outing lived up to all expectations for the Stirling side, who came away with all three points and a new group of mates.
Both managers anticipated the fixture being played again, and looked forward to making it an annual inclusion on club calendars.
