The Kanga Cup attracts hundreds of entrants from far and wide every year but there must be one who the first to put their hands up and decide that they will come to be part of the fun and festivities in Canberra and, in 2022, that was Chatswood Rangers.

Chatswood Rangers Sports Club is based in the Northern Suburbs of Sydney and have a proud history stretching back over 50 years, supporting Junior and Senior Football players. Rangers have a hugely active parents’ group and coaching team that has seen generations of players benefit from community based football programs.

Rangers has been very successful winning trophies, but the Club’s contribution to the well-being and health tens of thousands of children and people in the Community since 1963 has been beyond measure and continues to be of incalculable value.

Trips such as the one planned for Canberra to be part of the competition this July are huge parts of that community and Steve Daley, one of the parent’s involved in organising the journey is excited to be returning having lost the last two tournament’s to COVID.

“We have two years of lost excitement, exhilaration and Fun that must be caught up on.

What better place to start than a road-trip, football competition with all our team-mates and their families?” Daley said.

“We are so thrilled to have been able to integrate our Under 8’s into this year’s teams. I know all the kids are just over-flowing with excitement and anticipation.

“We are looking forward to seeing our teams play well, compete fairly and for the children to demonstrate and solidify the good sportsmanship attributes and respectful presence that are core to the Club’s values.

“These are qualities that all the children demonstrate on a weekly basis, with the kind encouragement of parents and Coaches.

“We are all looking forward to seeing the joy on the children’s faces as each stage of the trip takes place, from the anticipation of packing bags and kit, the journey to Canberra, seeing the new accommodation and the nervous excitement of running out onto a strange pitch for the first time and the first kick-off whistle.”

The Kanga Cup plays an integral part in the Rangers story and Daley recognises the importance of the competition as a place for the participants to engage in not just the football but the wider aspects of the tournament.

“The opportunity for the children to anticipate, meet and play against teams from far distant places and vastly different backgrounds will be so good for them,” he said. “This will be the first time that many players will see the culmination of months of training crystalised into the results of games played over a few days.

“I am confident that all will experience an emotional learning curve and character building exercise that will benefit them into the future no matter the number of goals scored.

“Events like this shape the minds of future footballers, athletes and super-stars in whatever field they choose to excel.”

The build-up to the tournament has been long running for the club with the players training extra hard and putting in the hard yards off the pitch make their trip to the ACT come to fruition.

“Every child has been training hard twice a week after school with Saturday games for months. They show a commitment that would put most adults to shame,” Daley revealed.

“Each week the team-play gets better and better. The instinctive awareness of position, players and ball is knitting into their game nicely. There’s always a few players who show dazzling skills.

“However, I am most proud after the final whistle blows, win, lose or draw when our players cheer the other team, shake hands (or bump elbows) and congratulate the opposition on a fun game well played. Then it’s time for lollies and treats and warm hugs from Mum or Dad.

“A huge “Thank You” goes out to all the parents and coaches who do all the organising in the background and training the kids in all weathers.”

Why not join Chatswood Rangers in the 2o22 McDonald’s Kanga Cup? Register Here!