MetroStars Soccer Club

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:43): I rise today to congratulate the MetroStars Soccer Club on their remarkable performance in the national FFA Cup competition. Based in my electorate of Torrens, the club, which plays its home games at the TK Shutter Reserve, was formed in 1994 and recently celebrated its 20 years.

With 300 juniors and more than 50 seniors, MetroStars gives players of all ages and standards the opportunity to get a game of football and the possibility of rising through the grades to play top-level football. Of course, when we are talking about football, in this instance, we are talking about the round one—soccer.

Mr Tarzia: I haven't seen you at any games, though, Dana.

Ms WORTLEY: Well, you have missed me. The club fields teams in the seniors, reserves and under 18s, and it has eight youth teams and a further 12 junior teams. It gives everyone from the age of six the opportunity to get involved not just in a great sport but in a great club and community culture. I was there recently when they played against the Port Adelaide Lions, who they defeated, and I was also out there at the FFA Cup last Tuesday. It is that little bit extra that gives the club that special position in the community. They really do know what local is, and I have heard some wonderful stories about what they are doing out there in the local community.

Today, however, it is the seniors that I want to speak about. When they went into the FFA Cup this year, they were not expected to advance very far by those outside the club. Of course, those inside had different views. They were dismissed by many in the Eastern States. Here was a small but proud local club from Klemzig in South Australia taking on the might of some of the strongest interstate clubs.

They were not supposed to get near all-conquering Blacktown City and, when they trailed 1-0, their chances really did not look good. They played this game away, of course, but the plucky side from Adelaide's inner north-east fought back hard, stunning the tournament favourite with a fast-moving game that resulted in a wonderful 2-1 away win. Everyone at MetroStars should be proud of their achievements.

They went on then playing in the FFA Cup, and I was out there last Tuesday week watching them—it was a freezing cold night—at the Elite Systems Football Centre at Angle Park. They played a wonderful game, and at half-time the score was nil-all. Unfortunately, in the second half, MetroStars had a goal kicked against them. I have to say that everyone there should be very proud of their achievements. It was not the result that we had all hoped for, but the players can hold their heads high.

On that night, playing his last career game, goalkeeper Daniel Godley, who recently played his 400^th game, was carried off the field by his teammates and given a standing ovation. From president Andrew Perrone to senior coach Michael Pirone (whose names are spelt differently and are no relation), to the committee members and a host of assistants, coaches, trainers and of course players, the club really should be proud. They gained the opportunity to play in the FFA Cup through winning the 2014 NPL Australian championship which made them actually qualify this year for the 32-team FFA Cup.

In 16 years at the top of the league, MetroStars have won 18 minor premierships, three major championships and three cups as well as having played in the round of 16 in the FFA Cup this year. So, congratulations to MetroStars, you have really done yourselves proud. I look forward to being able to go out again to watch you next year. Win, lose or draw, you have proven yourself a great local sporting club both on and off the field.