Seagulls junior clinic success

Seagull Session participant Jude (7) handballs to his brother Atticus (11) as Williamstown Football Club staff Luke Attard, Maurice 'Mocca' Thurston, Lauren Wood, and Ebony Thomas watch on. (Damjan Janevski) 444792_04

Williamstown and Port Melbourne football clubs have been fierce rivals for decades, but when it comes to Williamstown FC and the Port of Melbourne, it’s a different story.

The Seagulls Sessions, a series of junior coaching clinics run by the football club and funded by the port operator, attracted than 600 primary school students from across Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong in 2024, with 2025 shaping up to be even bigger.

According to Port of Melbourne’s 2024 sustainability report released on Wednesday, November 27, 610 students attended the clinics this year at six different primary schools throughout the inner-west.

Williamstown Football Club chief executive Ashley Baker said the seagull sessions wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Port of Melbourne, a club sponsor.

“By strengthening youth pathways and expanding outreach efforts, our partnership marks a pivotal step in our commitment to creating meaningful change both on and off the field,” Mr Baker said.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne congratulated Williamstown FC and Port of Melbourne for kicking goals in the local community.

“It’s great to see local kids gaining skills, confidence, and a love for sport thanks to this incredible community partnership,” she said.

Port of Melbourne chief executive Saul Cannon said the communities of Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong meant a lot to Port of Melbourne.

“As a city-port located among growing communities, we take pride in partnering with a local treasure like Williamstown Football Club,” Mr Cannon said.

The Williamstown Football Club is now planning for the 2025 seagull sessions and is seeking primary schools in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong interested in hosting one of the clinics.

To express interest, contact: admin@williamstownfc.com.au.