Caloundra City Soccer Club is set to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary and the Sunshine Coast Council has given them a very special birthday present – a new club house to be opened on their official birthday in August.
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.
Amongst those celebrating the big year are the Jenner family – who has now had four generations play for the club – with the fourth generation officially registering for the first time last year and playing again 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 year and the new club house give the whole club a lot to celebrate according to Caloundra City Soccer Club Registrar and Life Member Lynne Kornbrekke.
“When I started the role of Registrar, there were only 123 players in the Club,” Mrs Kornbrekke 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 new clubhouse boasts improved change rooms, more storage for the club, better public amenities and a separate area for referees.
Sunshine Coast Council Division Two Councillor Terry Landsberg welcomed the new facility for the Caloundra community.
“The Caloundra City Soccer Club has a long and proud history and is home to around 600 passionate soccer players,” Cr Landsberg said.
“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 U20 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.”
The Caloundra City Soccer Club is celebrating the official opening of the new clubhouse and the club’s 50th anniversary on 16 August.
