Wee Waa United Football Club is kicking goals for the community, both on and off the field, with committee members organising activities such as a recent trivia night, breathing fresh and fun life into the town’s social scene.
“The trivia night was a great success, and we are so happy with the turn out and how the community got behind us,” said Shannon Hamblin, who was one of the event’s key organisers along with her sister-in-law Rachel Hamblin and Sarah Gilliland.
“For a small town, our club has achieved so much in the last few years and it’s because of that great support,” added Rachel. “It was good to see the community help support our little club; without their support our club wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Sarah said that she moved to the Cotton Capital two years ago and has “made so many connections in town through soccer and the club.”
“It’s great to see the club doing so well as an option for people to be involved in community life,” Sarah added.
The trivia night was held at the bowling club on May 31 and despite the wet weather, there was a fantastic roll up, with attendees sporting their best, and in some case brightest,
costumes to match the theme – Sporting Spirit: Dress for success.
“It was good to see the trivia tables getting behind the theme, it makes these events much more fun and entertaining,” said Rachel.
“Between the lucky door ticket, under chair prizes, lockbox, best dressed and more, there were plenty of winners from all teams which was great to see,” said Sarah.
“And there was plenty to win, not many walked away empty handed,” added Shannon.
“The best dressed table had to battle it out seeing who was the fittest to win, it was quite a show, but well done to our tennis players team that took the win home.”
The heated competition was all in good fun and, of course, comes naturally to local sporting enthusiasts and players, who dusted off their thinking caps to battle it out in the tough trivia rounds too. There can only be one trivia winner and the winning team on the night was ‘Jake Hates Trivia’.
Beyond the fun and games, the masterminds behind the trivia night event – Shannon, Rachel and Sarah – share a mission: to help provide Wee Waa and the town’s future generations with plenty of physical, fun, sporting and social opportunities so it remains a wonderful place for people and families to call home.
“I feel it is so important to do our little part in the community to keep this club running for the next generations who come along, hoping it will only grow bigger and better,” said Shannon.
“Ever since moving to Wee Waa eight years ago and marrying into a family so involved in soccer it has been a big part of our lives lately.
“And now having little ones growing up and watching them watch their family members playing – it encourages them to have the same love for sport.”
Rachel echoed a similar sentiment, “Soccer is a huge part of our lives.
“Nathan (her husband) and I both started in this club when we were little and now watching our son Levi follow in our footsteps, it’s pretty special.
“I feel it’s so important to encourage children to be active and enjoy sport.”
The magic of the Matildas – Australia’s super successful national women’s soccer team – has boosted interest in the sport, inspiring people of all levels and ages to strap on some boots and hit the field.
“Yes, I think it’s definitely had some influence in encouraging all ages to get more involved with the sport,” said Shannon.
The so-called ‘Matilda effect’ is a phenomenon that has been experienced locally and worldwide, especially following last year’s stellar World Cup performance when the Matildas’ players became household names and roles models.
“This has definitely had an influence with our juniors doubling in size this year,” added Rachel, regarding the inspirational impact of the Matildas on local sport.
“It’s such as amazing thing so to see in a small community.
“We were blown away with the interest this year and are excited to see what the future brings.”
Off the field, rallying support for the club was another aim of the trivia night which also raised funds for expenses such as equipment, resources, and future events.
Pulling off such a positive community gathering can take lots of time and endless energy: organisers juggle different balls while overcoming the odd curveball to make events happen.
However, the talented trio of Shannon, Rachel and Sarah played an absolute blinder with the trivia night receiving rave reviews all round.
“The trivia night ran very smoothly considering it was the first one we have run,” said Sarah.
“Highlights included handing out our fabulous meat, fruit and veg tray prizes and seeing Lachlan Ford demonstrate the use of our auction prizes.
“Rachel and Shannon were in half the day on Thursday setting up – champions.”
Shannon added, “We have such an amazing and big committee at the moment, but our organisers for this event put there all in to run a very successful event. Big pat on the back for us all.”
Rachel said, “Shannon, Sarah and I have been a part of the committee for a few years now. We all have important roles that keep the club flowing.”
Sporting clubs create vital connections in country towns, whether residents are on the pitch playing or supporting on the sidelines, clubs are a lifeline for many and a fantastic way to keep fit and make new mates.
“The social side of the club is a very strong element and always a positive aspect,” said Shannon.
“The seniors get together regularly for barbecues and trips away due to the mateships they have developed playing club football here in Wee Waa whether they are locals or new to the community.
“We try and mix things up, from soccer matches to gala balls, discos, and weekenders away for soccer comps – people are always wanting to socialise and have a good time.
“It’s a big part of the WWFC culture, we aren’t just here to play soccer.”
Always planning the next big thing, the organising team said a kids’ disco was on the cards for later next month and they are also on the hunt for any kind sponsors who would like to get behind WWFC.
