The inauguration of the first Nepalese registered community-based football team in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne metropolitan - Eastern Warriors Football Club (EWFC) was held recently at their home ground - Milpera Reserve. Wantirna, Victoria.

The club was jointly inaugurated by the Chief Guests of the ceremony: Hon Nick Wakeling Member of Parliament, and the Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety and Shadow Minister for Trade, Victoria; and Hon Chandra Yonzon, the Consulate General of Nepal for Victoria; and was accompanied by Mr Krishna Rana, the EWFC President.

The invocation was led by Mr. Saroj Shakya, Executive member and Co-coordinator of the EWFC under-14 years old team; and all the members, including the office bearers of EWFC, were present at the function. The EWFC inauguration program was attended by over 150 persons, including various dignitaries from the Nepalese community, sports club representatives, players, representatives from Nepali Pathsala and families.

The program started with a superb BBQ launch with Nepalese dishes followed by the welcome speech from the EWFC president Mr Krishna Rana. Mr Rana delivered the vote of thanks to all guests and requested the families to participate in the club’s sports activities. He encouraged all players irrespective of their age, gender or cultural background to join the EWFC teams, namely: ‘under-14 years old’, ‘senior team’ and ‘over 35 years old’.

In the speech, the chief guest Hon Nick Wakeling express his gratitude for the invitation to the event and be a part of the rapidly growing Nepalese community. He explained the important role of sport and physical activities and how it helps to stay fit both mentally and physically. Hon Chandra Yonzon congratulated the newly elected office bearers of the club and highlighted the befit of playing actual outdoor games, specifically by deviating the young generation from the internet-based indoor games.

Mr Jog Limbu Founding Patron of EWFC delivered the keynote address and explained the key objectives and future activities of the club. He highlighted the importance of sports in various aspects of life and that he would like to see all spending more time in the playground. He thanked the Nepali Pathasala for fruitful collaboration and active involvement with the club. He encouraged the sports lovers and their families to participate in EWFC training programs and concluded by requesting help from all sectors of the community in the future.

Mr Rajesh Acharya, President of the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC) took the pleasure to add to Mr Limbu’s remarks and spoke about constraints the young generation faces concerning involving themselves in a sporting activity. One of the highlights of the program was the introduction of two famous ex-Nepal National players Mr Prabesh KC, the Manger and Mr Arjun Rizal, the coach, who thanked all guests and participants and pleaded for ongoing support for the club. Further, Dr Bhasker Amatya, ex-player of Three Star Club in Nepal and current Manager of the EWFC, said that he is honoured to be a part of the team, and authenticated that engagement in physical activities not only enhance physical and mental well-being but can also help in nurturing the talent to become a successful member of the community. The inaugural function was followed by a football match of EWFC senior and junior players combined.

The EWFC is the first Nepalese community-based not-for-profit football club in the eastern suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne, which accommodates over 5,000 individuals and families with Nepalese inheritance. The EWFC’s home ground is located in Milpera Reserve, Wantirna, Victoria 3152, which includes a fully illuminated, full-size all-weather football field, and changing facilities. Currently, it has senior, under-14, and over 35 years old teams and conducts regular training twice a week (every Wednesday and Sunday).

The parent organisation of EWFC is Eastern Warriors Sports Club (EWSC) non- political, multicultural community-based organisation that was established in 2005. The club is family-based and includes members both playing and non- playing from all walks of life. Participation and membership of the EWFC are open to all people residing in Australia with Nepalese and other multicultural ethnic backgrounds. The EWFC was registered on 17 May 2022 in VIC under the incorporate act as a non-profit, non-political, non-government, secular, multicultural community-based organisation that is also dedicated to promoting physical and psychosocial well-being and upholding the rule of law and basic human rights. The EWFC is committed to building a better community through sports. The main aim of the EWFC is to improve physical and psychosocial well-being at the community level by participating, organising and promoting football (soccer) events; and providing a platform and encourage the younger generation, the senior community members and families through sports (football), social activities, volunteering and networking.

The officials are as follows:

Krishna Rana President
Arjun Rizal Vice President
Puru Thapa General Secretary
Ganesh Bhandari Treasurer
San Limbu Executive Member
Tamoj Bajracharya Executive Member
Saroj Shakya Executive Member
Bhupal KC Executive Member
Saroj Paudel Executive Member
Jog Limbu Club Patron
Bhasker Amatya Advisor
Prabesh KC Advisor
Ranjan Koirala Advisor
Rajesh Archaya Advisor
Pravin Bhandari Advisor
Keshab Kandel Advisor
Diwaker Basnet Advisor
Harisch Karki Advisor
Prakash Archaya Advisor