Sport
4 November, 2024
Eagles soar to new heights
THE Atherton Eagles Football Club have been recognised for their “unwavering dedication to growth and community involvement” after they were named Queensland’s Community Club of the Year at an awards night held over the weekend.
The Football in Queensland formal awards night was held at Brisbane City Hall on Saturday and celebrated outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and clubs across the state.
This saw the Atherton Eagles win the State’s Community Club of the Year award and additionally, canteen coordinator Kim Cummings was recognised as Volunteer of the Year for the Far North and Gulf region
“It was very surprising and humbling to win and be recognised with this award, it’s a true honour,” club president Jason Cummings said.
“It’s a nice pat on the back that will certainly help boost our profile, and to get that recognition is awesome for a little community club like Atherton,” he said.
“I am very humbled by this award, and it came as a total surprise to me,” Kim said.
“It’s not about one person though, it’s the whole committee, the club and all the volunteers working together, I’m very proud to a part of this club.”
The club has around 100 “Miniroos”, aged five-12 years old, who play in a non-competitive Tableland competition with Dimbulah, Malanda and Ravenshoe.
Additionally, they had seven teams in the Cairns competition this year and all three Junior competitive teams made it through to the grand final, with the Under 16s team taking out the top spot.
The Atherton Eagles Senior Men’s Division 1 team were hopeful for a third consecutive grand final but were unfortunately knocked out in the semi-final round.
The Atherton Eagles is run by passionate volunteers who dedicate much of their time to the progression of the club and club’s players.
“Atherton Eagles is a great regional club run 100% on volunteers, we have great members and a strong committee who are passionate about the club,” Jason said.
“I think it’s the team of people and the volunteers that sets us apart. We’re very friendly, we’re very passionate and we’re all there for the kids, and I think that’s why the club is succeeding.
“We’ve definitely worked on the culture of the club to be an inclusive and family club on all levels.
“We’re directing the passion positively, instead of directing it into grubby play or poor conduct,” he said.
Cummings was proud of the club and proud of the team he has behind him, making it known it couldn’t be done alone.
“But ultimately, it’s a team effort, I’m just the bus driver, if you will, there’s a whole team behind me who helps keep the bus running and who are passionate to get great results,” he said.
