On a brisk winter morning in Canberra, Easts Football Club’s team takes the field with quiet determination. Among them is Popi Jones, a composed and passionate player whose football journey mirrors the philosophy of this young but promising club developing talent, building confidence and creating space for players who are serious about improving but not quite ready for elite competition.
Easts Football Club is a recent addition to the football scene. Unlike more established clubs, East was created with a specific purpose: to bridge the gap between grassroots and high-performance football. The club welcomes players from various backgrounds some with years in community clubs and others with experience in higher level representative teams and unites them in an environment that prioritises structured growth without the immediate pressure of top tier play.
Popi’s story is one that many young players can relate to. Originally playing for a different club that wasn’t focused on selective or development pathways, she found herself wanting more not just game time, but mentorship, structure and challenge. “My old team wasn’t really pushing us,” Popi explains. “But East encouraged me to be better. They gave me the chance to learn and improve in a space where I wasn’t overwhelmed.”
Easts approach is far from casual. With two training sessions each week and regular game analysis, the team has developed a clear philosophy around possession-based football. “We’re not a kick and chase team,” Popi says. “We focus on understanding patterns of play knowing where to pass, how to move, and playing to our positions.” This emphasis on tactical awareness is part of East’s long-term vision: to prepare players for higher competition by focusing on football and teamwork.
Though still growing, the club has already made an impact in local competitions. Popi highlights the team’s participation in pre-season tournaments and the Kanga Cup as pivotal experiences that pushed the group to rise to tougher challenges. “We play in a league where the levels are mixed, so we come up against strong teams,” she says. “But that’s what makes Easts special. We train hard, we don’t give up, and we support each other even when we make mistakes.”
Support, in fact, is one of the pillars of Easts culture. Popi speaks highly of the club’s leadership, particularly the club president, who has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for the players. “They’ve really helped us grow, even though we’re not in the top league. They’ve created something special here a team that’s serious about football but also about enjoying the process.”
Areas for improvement still exist, of course. Popi mentions that building stronger communication on the field and refining positional understanding are next steps for the team. “Sometimes we get a bit scattered. We need to work more on playing as a unit and not just as individuals,” she reflects. “But we’re getting better every week.”
Looking ahead, Popi is optimistic. She sees success not just in terms of wins, but in how the team gels together. “I want us to really become a team that trusts each other, that knows how to support one another through mistakes. If we can do that, the results will follow.”
Easts Football Club might still be new, but its identity is clear: a place where ambition meets patience, and where players like Popi Jones can find both the challenge they crave and the support they need.
As the team continues to grow, so does the belief that this club is one to watch not just for what it achieves on the scoreboard, but for the football culture it is steadily building.
Words: Charli Fiddes
