Inaugural Anzac eve matches kick off
On the eve of Anzac Day, aviators from the Air Force Football Association took to the pitch at Ironbark Park in South Ripley for the inaugural Air Force versus Queensland Police Service football matches in men’s and women’s divisions.
The highlight for LACW Jo Duim, captain of the women’s team, was the commemorative service in between the two matches.
“As the women’s match finished, we formed a guard of honour as the men walked out,” she said.
“We held a service with the Last Post and Rouse played by ex-serving member Phil Cutcliffe, the national anthem and a minute’s silence. It was a pretty special moment.
“The values within the Anzac spirit are so transferable to sport, and it just shows what it’s all about – how lucky we are to be able to play sport in a country we love, while wearing the uniform that means so much.”
Originally scheduled for Anzac Day last year, but cancelled due to poor weather, this year’s event – driven by FLTLT James-Andre Galam – was an important step in growing football participation across RAAF bases nationwide.
The women’s match was hotly contested. The Air Force side fought back twice to level the score at 2-2 before going down 4-2 to a strong Queensland Police team that included several local Ipswich players.
PLTOFF Dani White scored both of Air Force’s goals, while LACW Keeleigh Hayward was named women’s most valuable player (MVP).
'Any opportunity to play sport, to network, to socialise – taking people to a life outside the job but still giving them the chance to be themselves – I’m all for it.'
In the men’s match, Air Force secured a 4-1 victory. CPL Levi Hughes was named men’s MVP for his standout display.
LACW Duim, a reservist with 23 Squadron’s Security Forces, has 24 years of football experience under her belt and knows the positive impact sport can have.
“Any opportunity to play sport, to network, to socialise – taking people to a life outside the job but still giving them the chance to be themselves – I’m all for it,” LACW Duim said.
“You get to learn the different roles people do in the ADF, play the sport you love and represent something bigger than yourself.”
The Amberley football group continues to grow, with regular indoor futsal sessions already running, and plans to expand its outdoor training.
Anyone at Amberley interested in playing, regardless of experience level, is encouraged to get involved.
Future fixtures include the ADF Futsal National Championship at Randwick Barracks next month and the ADF National Championship in Sydney in October.
For the latest information, email the Air Force Football Association to be added to their mailing list: airforce.footballassociation@defence.gov.au
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