A team of “ageing amateurs” has beaten Bayside College’s finest in an annual charity soccer match supporting the community’s most vulnerable in the lead-up to Christmas.
Led by Williamstown MP Wade Noonan, last Friday’s match at the Altona North campus raised $865.70 for Williamstown’s Helping Hand Cafe.
Founded by former street kid Robert Adams, the cafe hosts a free weekly lunch program at Williamstown Church of Christ.
“We usually get between 30 and 50 people every Tuesday,” he said.
“There’s more people coming and even little kids – I had to get a high chair.
“In the 12 years I’ve done it, we’ve served 27,000 meals and we’ve given out 25,000 bags of fruit and vegies.”
Mr Noonan said this year’s match pitted a team of “ageing amateurs against Bayside College’s deep pool of soccer talent”, with his side winning 7-4. His side had players from Victoria University, Williamstown Football Club and Qenos.
“During the lead-up to Christmas, it’s a terrific opportunity for Bayside College students to play a game against members of the community whilst raising funds for this wonderful service,” Mr Noonan said.
“I’m so grateful for the work of the Helping Hand Cafe in Williamstown.
“I think the students went a bit easy on us this year because my team celebrated a rare victory.”
