Summer Sports In The Spotlight

Known for its close-knit community, Sandgate, Bayside and surrounds has long embodied the attributes of the mateship and loyalty that comes with playing a local team sport. Our sporting heroes share with The Guide some summer season highlights.

Sandgate Hawks
President of Sandgate Hawks, Melanie Fuller, said, “Last year, we had all five senior teams make the finals and 23 youth and junior teams were a part of our AFL community. Over 700 families celebrated our Club’s 80-year anniversary, and we welcomed even more female players to our community, which was wonderful to see.”

Brighton Roosters
In the Club’s 56th season, the Brighton Roosters’ President, Mr Dennis Trenery shared: “Our Under 20’s and Under 13’s teams won the Premiership, and our little Under 6’s, ‘The‘Bantams,’ made us proud. A-Grade came within a whisker of making the Grand Final.”

The Pickering family said: “We’re new to the Club, but are so impressed with how the Roosters brings the community together.

Bracken Ridge Ridgettes
Club President, Kylie Raffin-Loof, said, “Ridgettes have had a number of achievements over the past year, including our Division 1 team taking out the premiership, for Brisbane Netball Association.”

Ms Emma West, was recognised by receiving the honourable and much-respected, Sharon Casablanca Trophy Leadership Award.”

Northside Wizards Basketball
Mark Wrobel, CEO of Northside Wizards Basketball, which is the home Club to more than 400 Sandgate locals, said that the Association had experienced much growth. “A big win was being named as a finalist for the Basketball Queensland Association.”

Deagon Ward Councillor, Jared Cassidy, said, “We are spoilt for choice when it comes to community sports each season. What used to be traditionally winter sports, like Football, AFL, and Rugby League, these have been trending towards all year sports. Cricket has expanded beyond summer and with sports, like netball, gymnastics, martial arts, and swimming.”

Minister for Sport of Australia, MP Anika Wells, said: “Sport should be for life, and I want people of all ages reaping the physical and mental health benefits that competition and physical activity provides. Sport provides intangible community benefits, through the spirit that it fosters in team settings, and I am determined to ensure that more kids and adults are able to easily access sporting facilities.”

For more information on your local club: sandgatehawks.com.au, brightonroosters.com.au northsidewizards.com.au ridgettesnetballclub.com.au parkrun.com.au.