with Matt “ Duck Man ” Austin

In a growth area in Sydney where football is going from strength to strength , Hills Football Association decided they needed another club . And it ’ s a solid argument to have as there has been exponential population growth in the area . The big question was where to set it up . Hills Football decided the new club would be set up at the new venue built in Balmoral Rd , Kellyville as part of the longterm strategic plan to grow , develop and promote football in the area . The new field led to an opportunity to create the new club in the thriving area with many new citizens , who are avid football lovers .

Even though Bella Vista FC is located between two of the district ’ s largest clubs , they still managed to attract 19 teams in their first year , a huge achievement . This is a fast-growing population - 8384 people in the last census in 2021 , and it is expected to continue to grow and develop over the next 10-20 years . The field is centrally located , an attractive feature of the club .

President Karim Ali has been involved in football now for about 35 years , playing across six different countries . He is also a player and team manager of the club ’ s inaugural over 35 division 1 team for 2023 .

Karim ’ s goal as president of the club for 2023 is to develop skilled and passionate players who become role models both on and off the field . Karim , along with the Bella Vista Committee , have been working hard to create a welcoming and inclusive soccer community where individuals can develop their skills , foster teamwork , and build meaningful connections . They aim to contribute to the further success of Hills Football , Football NSW and Football Australia .

The club colours were selected to be as distinguishable as possible from the other 20 clubs in the area . Moreover , the logo has an orange blossom tree as a representation of the Hills District ’ s heritage as the first commercial provider of oranges .

The club currently have 19 teams ( 2xU6 + U7 + 2xU8 + U10 + U11 + 2xYouth League + 6xAll Age Men + 3xO35 + O45 ) with 311 registered players in their first season ; a massive achievement in a tough market with many sports and clubs in the same area .

Despite being in an area surrounded by many strong clubs in both Hills Football Inc . and Blacktown District Soccer Football Association , Karim tells me that Bella Vista FC are community focused . They prioritise community engagement and outreach and have a strong social media presence

to keep the community informed and engaged . They value diversity and inclusion , and their players come from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds .

A successful inaugural season for Bella Vista FC would be one in which Bella Vista establishes a positive reputation in the community . And Bella Vista conducts itself professionally on and off the field , with high standards of behaviour , fair play , and community engagement . Players , managers , coaches , and members proudly introduce themselves as ‘ Bella Vistians ’.

Karim informed me that the club are working towards having female teams and a Premier League team for season 2024 .

This is fantastic ambition for a new club with a positive attitude .

Bella Vista FC Hills Cup Team , 2023 . Photo : Bella Vista FC .

TONY BRASSEL

IRON HAT cruised throughout in winning Muswellbrook 1000m trial on May 21 . He was under no pressure whatsoever down the final 300m while rivals were all under the bat .

SMART ROOSTER is unbeaten in two outings and is primed to make it three on the trot when he resumes , going on impressive all-the-way 860m heat win at Dubbo on May 20 .

WATERSKI is an unraced Street Boss 2YO filly out of the James Cummings yard and there was a lot to like about her first trial over 790m at Hawkesbury on May 22 . Was under a tight grip from go to whoa when fourth in fast run heat .

COMMEMORATIVE is another unraced filly out of the James Cummings stable . This I am Invincible youngster could not have been more impressive in winning 790m trail at Hawkesbury on May 21 .

Players in action . Photo : Bella Vista FC .

BALKANS is yet another James Cummings 2YO and this Lonhro colt showed he had plenty of ability in winning 790m trial at Hawkesbury on May 21 . Primed to make winning debut .

PIPLUP wound up fifth behind Balkans in the trial , but this unraced Inference filly was under a stranglehold throughout . Don ’ t let her get under your guard .

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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 96 // JUNE 2023 25