LOCAL LIFE
Blacktown City Football Club
influence reached its peak when the club provided five Socceroos for the 2022 World Cup ; goalkeeper Mat Ryan , star midfielder Aaron Mooy , central defender Miloš Degenek , striker Mitchell Duke , and young talent Keanu Baccus .
By then , Blacktown had long been recognised as one of Australia ’ s top developmental clubs .
Ryan and Baccus came through the juniors , and goalkeeping coach John Crawley was another notable junior who captained and coached the senior team .
Some , like Degenek , left for overseas opportunities after a few seasons .
Head of football Mark Crittenden summed up Blacktown ’ s approach , “ We all love to win championships , but if we can help get a young lad an opportunity to become a professional footballer — that ’ s what it ’ s all about for us ,” he said .
“ It ’ s just as great as winning trophies , and probably even better . That ’ s just the way we operate as a club . If we think they ’ re good enough , we ’ ll give them a chance .”
The best player to represent Blacktown ? That ’ s debatable , but it
Blacktown City ’ s highly respected head coach , Mark Crittenden , has overseen the club ’ s rise to become a true powerhouse in Australian football .
likely wouldn ’ t be an Aussie .
The legendary Kevin Keegan ( 63 England caps , England manager , various clubs as player and manager ) had a guest stint with the club .
The immortal Bobby Charlton ( 1966 World Cup winner , 106 England caps , Manchester United ) played one match for Blacktown — on 9 March 1980 , scoring a goal in his final professional appearance .
While these visitors may have been the most famous to grace Seven Hills , Blacktown City itself ranks among the finest contributors to the region ’ s sporting history .
More sports at Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre after upgrade
Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton has reopened with high-quality sprung timber courts , enabling more sports , including competition basketball and pickleball .
Funded by Blacktown City Council and the NSW Government , the upgrade has attracted numerous sporting groups eager to use the improved facilities . Mayor Brad Bunting highlighted the council ’ s commitment to providing more active spaces for the city ’ s growing population . The City of Blacktown Basketball Association ’ s General Manager , Lachlan Arford , emphasised the benefits for local players , families , and teams , while Sydney Liga Basketball Association Director , Ronald Luna welcomed the new home for their inclusive basketball community .
Pickleball , a fast-growing sport similar to tennis , will be introduced in March , catering to both beginners and experienced players . Additionally , NSW Health ’ s Go4Fun programme will use the venue to promote active lifestyles among children and families .
Residents can explore the upgraded facilities at the Blacktown City Family Activefest on Saturday , 29 March . This free event offers ‘ come and try ’ sessions for basketball , futsal , mini golf , rock climbing , and more .
For details on Activefest , pickleball , and court hire , visit Blacktown Aquatic and Sports .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 47 // MARCH 2025 9