The historic club of North Rock is undergoing a generational change both on and off the field. From a new board looking to continue the long-serving and committed work of those before them, to a big push to develop the next generation through the Little Legends and Mini Roos programs. North Rocks is setting itself up for long-term success and service to its community.
North Rocks has been fielding teams since the mid 1960s. Over the six decades of the club, the football club has undergone multiple significant changes, moving from the Granville District to the Hills Association, and now undergoing a new change with a new president and committee members. The club is set to explore a wide range of opportunities whilst remaining true to its values and its members.
“I think it’s really important to acknowledge there are a lot of people who have been around [the club] for a long time. They’re doing a really good job or have done a really good job in the past. So, we’re the next generation coming through and sort of the custodians of the club,” North Rocks director of marketing & communications Rob Squillacioti said.
“I guess the main reason we do it is that we just see so many opportunities at the club and in the Hills Football Association.”
“Ultimately, we do it for the kids, to make sure they have a great time and the best experience possible.”
Awarded the Champion Club Award as recently as 2023 and 2025, the club places a large emphasis on a whole-club approach to operations. From growing the Little Legends and Mini Roos programs, ensuring games are being covered through their referee program and pursuing every opportunity to grow its female football participation.
“Ultimately, we pride ourselves on being a community club. We won the champions award recently, so we’re really proud of that as well,” Squillacioti said.
“That next wave of three, four, five, six, seven-year-olds. I really see that as our real focus and setting ourselves up for a really long-term future.”
“We have an awesome referee program. We get really great coverage. We get 100% coverage pretty much every weekend and not just for the seniors, but in the instructional referees’ program.”
North Rocks has continued to produce elite-level footballers, most recently, young Matilda Talia Younis, who previously donned the blue and white of North Rocks. Younis made A-League Women history when she debuted at just 14 years and 361 days old last season. The midfielder has made multiple returns to her childhood club to help promote female football and her appreciation for where it all started.
It highlights the history of the club. People like Talia and her brother, who plays in the A-League now. They started kicking the ball at North Rocks Park.” Squillacioti said.
“We definitely want to put a call out to more young females who want to play football. We have had some really good initiatives. I know we’ve put our hand up to host a lot of the female football on Sundays.”
“We want to grow female football.” Squillacioti added.
