Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the Castle Hill RSL Rockets Football Club is one of the most established grassroots football organisations in the Hills Football Association. Based at Eric Mobbs Reserve, the club has spent decades developing a reputation as a community-first club focused on participation, development, and inclusivity.
Founded by Dimitar Mikulasev as the Hills Independent Sports Club, the aim of the club was to provide sporting opportunities to the young children of the Hills district. The club didn’t adopt the name ‘Rockets’ till 1971, after the name was adopted by the Ladies Auxiliary and was ultimately approved by the full committee of the club.
A unique element of the club is their ongoing relationship with the Castle Hill RSL Club; the combination of the two entities has fostered growth, continued support and success for both parties.
“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Castle Hill RSL, which has spanned more than 30 years. Their ongoing support enables us to provide essential equipment for both training and match days, while also giving us access to facilities for committee meetings, our season launch, and presentation day,” Castle Hill RSL Football Club President Michelle Russell said.
The club has continued their commitment to fostering and developing players in the ever-growing suburb of Castle Hill through offering pathways and collaborating with academies, allowing juniors to reach their fullest potential.
“I think what truly sets our club apart from others within Hills Football is our long-standing 11-year partnership with ASA Football, a nursery for developing players,” Russell said.
“This pathway has become a proven development program, helping young players follow the path that has seen many players, before them, progress to higher levels, including NPL and A-League clubs. They are also involved in helping develop our younger coaches.”
The club was also one of the four clubs from Hills Football to join the North West Sydney Football Men’s Premier and Super League at the start of this season. Sitting second in the Super League after six rounds, with five wins and a loss, the club has started the new season strongly and will be hoping to earn promotion into the Premier League.
