From their beginnings over 50 years ago in the Churches Football Association Sydney, to foundation members of the Hills Football Association, St Michaels SC, now Hills Knights FC, have transitioned with time, though they have always strived to be a community and family club at its core. Embracing football and also being part of a wider community.
As one of the association’s largest clubs with over 1100 players donning the purple and black of the Knights every weekend, the club based in Baulkham Hills has provided opportunities to a diverse range of players. However, it’s their work and the opportunities they provide players with disabilities that truly speak to the nature of the club and their commitment to allowing every player to play the beautiful game.
“Our foundation has come out of the St Michael’s school environment and community parish.” Hills Knights Competition Secretary Ross Papadimitriou said.
“That’s evolved into becoming the embodiment of community and making certain that we all feel as one out there and being able to embody the spirit of football and grow happiness and that passion that comes with it.”
For the last 10 years, Hills Knights has offered an all-abilities program on Tuesdays and Saturdays to over 40 players from junior ages to seniors, all with the aim of providing a safe and enjoyable space to play football.
“We have members that have special needs, and we are making certain they have an environment where they can come and play football and be part of the community as well,” Papadimitriou said.
“We pride ourselves on making it so that we can involve more members, and that we allow the community to be involved. As I said, it’s not only for abled players, but also for people who have disabilities or special needs or just want to play football.”
Split across the Balcombe Heights ground and Bella Vista Oval, the club has faced challenges with ground allocations with their growing member size; however, it hasn’t stopped the club from progressing, improving all aspects of the club and allowing more players the chance to play weekly football.
“Field availability or challenges with fields are something the club is always looking at. However, our female football program has also grown in the last three to four years.
“We’ve had a 25% increase here in the last two years in our female football program, and that’s something we are looking at expanding further.”
“We really want to show that diversity is not just around boys playing football. It’s also making sure we have a very robust female football program as well,” Papadimitriou said.
The club motto of ‘Go Hard, Play Hard’ resonates on and off the pitch at Hills Knights and will continue to be the guiding factor of this expanding community club.
“When you come to play for the Hills Knights, you’re part of a football community, and that’s what we want to be. We want to be a place that families get to create long-standing friendships.” Papadimitriou said.
