Glorious grassroots at the Gardens. Kerr salvages a draw against ten-women Novocastrians.

Sometimes you have to get back to the grassroots to appreciate the true appeal of our world game. The global reach of football is all-apparent in the ubiquitous media coverage of the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga.

But the beating heart of the game is cradled in the grassroots of small clubs immersed in, and characterised by, their local community.

With my better half Amanda, and our Perth Glory/Manchester United-supporting friends Michael and Lesley, we shared this epiphany on Saturday evening in the hallowed but humble environs of Dorrien Gardens Stadium.

Humble doesn’t quite capture the essence of the spirit that Dorrien Gardens encapsulates, which I don’t intend to derogate in any way. If proudly modest is not too much of an oxymoron it probably gets closer.

The Gardens are hosting Glory’s W-League this season for fixtures that can’t be scheduled at Perth Oval for a double header coinciding with the Mens’ team. So, it was as a fan, not a sports journalist that I attended the Perth Glory v. Newcastle Jets Women’s League clash.

Just two kilometers out of Perth’s CBD, Dorrien Gardens is the home of Perth Soccer Club which is celebrating it’s 70^th Anniversary this year. This venerable institution, founded by Italian migrants, was long known as Perth Azzuri, changing to the current name in 1995 reflecting its broadening support stretching beyond the Italian community. Enjoying a long successful history, recently Perth Soccer Club were National Premier League (Western Australia) Champions in 2016 and 2018.

The stadium has a 4,000 capacity, with a 450-seater stand, a barbecue terrace, a bar/restaurant with trophies and historical artefacts on display and a wonderfully friendly and welcoming community feel.

As a pair of middle-aged couples, we immediately felt accepted by the community of supporters which included young families, groups of young women, and dyed in the wool football men of all ages. Kids were kicking a ball around on the grassy terraces as their parents enjoyed a beer while watching the game. The guy next to Michael gave us a well-informed low down on the players to keep an eye on while a lively group of Shannon May’s friends two rows behind us ensured a lively carnival atmosphere throughout.

The game marked Glory midfielder Shannon May’s 100^th game. A foundation player, and the first Glory star to reach this auspicious milestone, the 27-year-old primary school teacher was raucously cheered on by her mates all night long, but it looked like the celebrations were only beginning. Here’s to the next 100 Shannon.

The whole experience reminded of me of the benefits of local football to the community and to each individual member of the community. As a mental health professional, I appreciate that the best way to inoculate against the ravages that modern society beset us with is to Act, Belong and Commit. At Dorrien Gardens on Saturday night, Lesley, Michael, Amanda and I witnessed volunteers, members and supporters, families, couples and individuals exemplifying these principles and basking in a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

As I tucked into my second glass of wine while enjoying the competitive spectacle before us, I glanced over at my colleagues in the media box with a mixture of smugness and envy. Sports writing is undoubtedly a passion of mine, but being a fan, and enhancing the fans’ enjoyment of the spectacle we describe with our words, is, at root, what all us writers are about.

But I guess I better tell you about the game.

Glory took the lead in the fourth minute through McKenna with Newcastle answering with a quickfire double by American Katie Stengel in a two-minute spell to lead 2-1 on 18’. Sam Kerr was brought down by Jets defender Larissa Crummer, who was given her marching orders for the challenge.The Glory star forward fired the hosts level from the spot in the 27^th minute.

A hard- fought encounter with skill and endeavour evident in both sides ensued but with no further damage inflicted to either goal. May was denied her fairytale winner with her late effort hitting the woodwork.

Kerr relished a few jousts with her long-time Matilda’s roommate Emily Van Egmond. But the Jets midfielder would be entitled to feel that her team came off better in the end, returning to the Hunter Valley with a share of the points after being reduced to ten women after 27 minutes. Glory coach and legend Bobby Despotovski’s increasingly shrill exhortations from the touchline probably indicated his agreement with that analysis.

Thank you, Dorrien Gardens, for a great night of football, fun and camaraderie. The four of us now look forward to the working week fortified by the experience of the soul of a community that knows how to enjoy itself and care for one another.

Won’t be long till we’re back again. Try and stop us! I’d strongly recommend you get along to the Gardens and sample the enriching benefits of grassroots football for yourself. Do it soon.