A Sunshine Coast club that has been kicking goals for half a century will benefit from a special present for its golden anniversary.
Caloundra City Soccer Club, formerly Caloundra Churches Soccer Club, was established in 1975 and has long been part of the Sunshine Coast Churches Soccer Association, creating opportunities for thousands of players over the years.
This year, celebrating its 50th anniversary, the club has received a new clubhouse built by Sunshine Coast Council at Russell Barker Park on Caloundra Road. It boasts improved change rooms, more storage, better public amenities and a separate area for referees.
Councillor Terry Landsberg welcomed the new facility.
“The Caloundra City Soccer Club has a long and proud history and is home to around 600 passionate soccer players,” he said.
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“The original building no longer served the growth of the club and needed to be replaced.
“This new clubhouse is an exciting improvement for the club, which nurtured a local player who was a member of the under-20 Matildas competing in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024.
“The club is incredibly proud of Alicia Woods, who played for nine years with the club and is currently playing in the 2024-25 A-League Women for Brisbane Roar.
“Grassroots sport and recreation at a local level is so important to our region, growing our local sporting talent and bringing significant benefits for our health and social connection.
“This new clubhouse is a home to be proud of, for all Caloundra City Soccer Club players and supporters.
“It’s another great example of how we are connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.”
Caloundra City Soccer Club registrar and life member Lynne Kornbrekke said club members were excited about the new clubhouse and facilities, which coincided with the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
“When I started the role of registrar, there were only 123 players in the club,” she said.
“Player numbers have now grown to around 600 players each season.
“With 2025 marking the club’s golden anniversary, I’m looking forward to celebrating and what better way than with a new home for our players and supporters?
“Gone are the days when we had to set up a marquee each home game to sell uniforms from and trying to run a canteen out of a very small area.
“I am also looking forward to being able to display some of our historic memorabilia including team books from as early as 1977, original correspondence from that time and some photos from early 1980s to present day.”
The clubhouse is also welcomed by the Jenner family, with four generations of enthusiasts having played for the club. The fourth generation registered last season and is continuing to play in 2025.
James Ronan’s great-grandfather Kevin Jenner was one of the original pastors of the Sunshine Coast Churches Association and the Caloundra City Soccer Club.
Kevin’s sons, Chris and Andrew, played for the club in the 1980s with three of Chris’s children also registering, and young James continuing the family tradition.
The club will celebrate the official opening of the clubhouse and the 50th anniversary on August 16.
