TPAV Journal - The Police Association Victoria

the 2012 Association of South East Asian
Nations Cup in Vietnam. Subsequently the
Soccer Club has extended an invitation to
a number of Asian teams to compete in
the 2014 Australasian Police & Emergency
Services Games.
On the home front, they were awarded
the Victorian multicultural Commission’s
most prestigious award of 2012 −
the ‘Premier’s Award for Community
Harmony’. This award recognises
the work that the club has done with
multicultural and multi-faith communities.
The Premier, in presenting this award,
made special mention of the Soccer COPPS
program which is designed to provide
choices, opportunities, partnerships
and participation for young people in
regional Victoria.
TOP AND bOTTOM: Images from the Police Soccer
Club’s ‘Goodwill Tour’ in Vietnam.
The Journal chats to Victoria Police Soccer
Club President, Senior Sergeant ron Sinclair
to find out more about Victorian Police
Soccer Club and the great work they do in the
community, local and abroad.
How important is charity
to The Victoria Police
Soccer Club?
The vast majority of the Club’s events
are based around community or charity
work and I believe this is why the Club is
so successful. The combination of sport
and community service gives players
and administrators a wonderful sense
of achievement, making all the work
needed to make these events happen so
worthwhile.
What are some of the more
memorable ‘Soccer Club’
experiences of the past year?
There have been so many, with games
played at venues ranging from local
parks to AAMI Park! The Good Will tour
of Vietnam and Cambodia in February
was a fantastic trip, but to be invited
back in August, when we had the
opportunity to see the positive results
from our initial work at Birla orphanage
and Pacific Links, then to compete in a
truly International tournament, was a
life changing experience for our players.
How often does the club
meet up/practice/play during
the year?
The Club does not play in a regular
league. Our busiest times are between
August and April each year, but we have
events throughout the year.
What do people need to do
if they want to get involved
with the club?
Victoria Police Soccer Club always
welcomes new players, administrators
and supporters, regardless of age,
gender, rank or ability. If anyone is
interested in being involved with the
Club, they are welcome to contact
Vice President, Darren Cooper (darren.
cooper@police.vic.gov.au), Secretary,
Tim McKinney (timothy.mckinney@
police.vic.gov.au) or myself at ronald.
sinclair@police.vic.gov.au.
The Police Association Victoria Journal October 2012
23