North Eastern MetroStars Soccer Club

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:18): Tonight will be an historic night at TK Shutter Reserve in Klemzig in the heart of the electorate of Torrens, home of football SANPL club North Eastern MetroStars. It is fair to say that I speak today with nervous excitement ahead of the biggest game in the club's history against A-League side Melbourne City in the Australia Cup quarter-final. It has already been an exciting week at TK Shutter Reserve with the turning of the sod for the new development of inclusive change facilities, toilets, showers, umpire and first aid rooms at their home ground to be delivered by the Port Adelaide Enfield council and as part of an election commitment from our government.

The significance of this night for our community should not be lost. It will be a real David and Goliath battle. Melbourne City will feature players such as Socceroos superstars Jamie Maclaren and Matthew Leckie, who scored that goal in Qatar against Denmark that put the Socceroos through to the World Cup round of 16. MetroStars, on the other hand, who are playing in their very first Australia Cup quarter final will be led by captain, Anthony Solagna, and former Adelaide United legend, Fabio Barbiero.

With all other South Australian sides eliminated, MetroStars are the pride of South Australia in this year's Australia Cup. A club with a proud history, South Australia's MetroStars have an impressive record in this competition, being FFA Cup last 16 qualified in 2015 and round 32 qualifiers in 2016, 2017 and now, of course, quarter finalists in 2023.

This year has been quite a journey for MetroStars, qualifying for the Football SA Federation Cup final and securing qualification for the Australia Cup round of 32 with a 5-0 win over West Torrens Birkalla and then winning the Football SA Federation Cup with a 3-2 win over Campbelltown City. In the last 32 of the Australia Cup, MetroStars had an emphatic 5-0 win over Inglewood United before a 1-0 win over Inter Lions. In the round of 16 saw them qualify for this quarter final.

Tonight, to have players such as Socceroos star striker Jamie Mclaren and winger Matthew Leckie, who scored that goal against Denmark in Qatar, putting the Socceroos through to the World Cup, come and play right here in Klemzig is momentous. The organisation that has gone into tonight's game is enormous, but then again MetroStars is a club with an enormous heart. I want to acknowledge the dedication of Club President, Rob Rende, committee members, volunteers and supporters.

Ahead of tonight's game, I want to congratulate all who have played a role in reaching this stage, including the players: Isaac Carmody, Scott Nagle, Noah McNamara, Christian D'Angelo, Jackson Fortunatow, Hamish Gow, Nathan Rudolph, James Temelkovski, Anthony Solagna, Cameron Woodfin, Nicholas Pedicini, Cameron Dix, Fabio Barbiero, Mohamed Bility, Jackson Walls, Michael Cittadini, Ren Nagamatsu, Alessio Melisi, Alessio Ruggiero, Ryan Veitch and Austin Ayoubi. I also want to acknowledge coach Daniel Graystone, assistant coaches Adam Holmes, Adam Van Dumelle and goalkeeper coach, Michael Rende.

I am looking forward to tonight's game when these two proud clubs run onto the pitch. May the spirit of the world game be on show for all to see in Klemzig tonight.