First time entrants to the Kanga Cup are quite frequent. After all, the reputation of the competition precedes it and makes it a ‘must-do’ for many clubs, and football organisations, throughout Australia. One of these debutants who will be joining us for 2024 are Wollemi FC.

Based in Werrington, New South Wales, Wollemi FC have their home grounds based within the ground of Wollemi College, but that does not hinder them from recruiting externally as they are not an exclusive schools-based club as President of Wollemi FC, Joseph Chaghouri, who is also the coach for the U12 Division 4 team, explains.

“Our players come from various parts of the local community in the St. Mary’s and Penrith region,” Chaghouri commented.

“Our club is dedicated to promoting the love of football among local youth, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a supportive environment. We are registered and affiliated with the Nepean Football Association.”

The opportunity to bring a team to the Kanga Cup is one that Chaghouri and his committee were ken to explore. The chance to provide their players with the experience of competing against teams from all over Australia and internationally and challenge themselves against strong opponents, a strong lure.

“We entered the Kanga Cup to It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to assess their abilities and grow as athletes,” Chaghouri explained. “They will also gain valuable experience that will help in their character development both on and off the field.

“This is our first time participating in the Kanga Cup. We are excited to join this prestigious tournament and look forward to the experiences and opportunities it will provide for our players in terms of competition, camaraderie, and exposure to different playing styles and cultures.

“We hope to foster a sense of unity and resilience among our players, improve their competitive skills, and build lasting memories. Additionally, we aim to highlight our club’s talent and spirit while building relationships with other teams and promote sportsmanship.”

As with any team that is making the journey to Canberra, it’s not just the football that excites Wollemi FC and their playing group, but the chance to take in the myriad opportunities for seeking new adventure in the National Capital. However, the realisation of how special the week is, was the overriding factor.

“Outside of the tournament matches, we plan to visit the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, Parliament House,” Chaghouri revealed. “We will also enjoy fine dining experiences and family friendly activities to make the most of our time together.

“The Kanga Cup is special because it brings together teams from across the globe in a celebration of football and youth. The level of organisation, the quality of competition, and the spirit of the event make it a unique and enriching experience for everyone involved.

“It provides a platform for young players to shine and develop while fostering international friendships and cultural exchange.”

The Kanga Cup commences with an Opening Ceremony on Sunday 7 July 2024.