New Club Profile: Peninsula Strikers JFC
To celebrate the coming of the 2026 football season, and to welcome the new clubs to the VCFA, the Association asked a few questions to Club President Kirk Matthews, to dive deeper into the heart of the Peninsula Strikers Junior Football Club.
VCFA: What drew you to joining the VCFA?
Kirk Matthews: We were looking for an alternative offering to Sunday football, something that surrounding clubs weren’t doing, and to navigate player’s clashing commitments.
I knew of the VCFA through family members and a member of our senior club also mentioned the VCFA in discussions about some issues with our current offerings, prompting me to reach out and see if we could participate.
Any recent successes as a club that you're especially proud of?
KM: One of the achievements I think we should be most proud of is the strengthening of the relationship between our junior club and our partner senior club.
As a junior-only club, establishing a genuine and supportive pathway into senior football is essential. Seeing that relationship continue to develop, alongside the senior club’s on-field success gives our players and families real confidence that there is a clear and positive future beyond junior football.
More broadly, I’m proud of the resilience of our club. In recent years, we‘ve had to make some really tough decisions, in order to realign with our core values of accessible community football and long-term sustainability. Since making the big decisions, we’ve rebuilt with strong leadership, committed volunteers, and a renewed focus on culture, player development, and community connection.
What are your club’s goals for 2026?
KM: We had a huge amount of growth in recent years, coming off the back of a low period. We’re looking forward to fielding strong teams in both our junior male and female teams and hoping that that leads to greater retention of players.
What Competitions are you planning to field teams for?
KM: We’re starting conservatively with one junior team in VCFA. It’s a toe in the water and we are hoping it is a successful pilot that leads to more possibilities in the future. Personally, I’m excited by what prospects there are with an alternative league for our junior athletes - not just for us but also for the broader community.
Anyone you'd like to thank, for helping get your club to the position you are today?
KM: Absolutely. Clubs like ours don’t exist without the dedication of those who came before us. The past presidents, committee members and volunteers who poured their time, energy and heart into building the club laid the foundations we’re standing on today.
A lot of the work that keeps a community club running happens behind the scenes, and it’s often underestimated. It takes time, resilience and emotional investment. I’m fortunate to be able to lean on several former leaders as mentors, and I’m surrounded by an outstanding committee and a group of committed volunteers who ensure our kids get on the pitch each week and enjoy their football. That’s what it’s all about.
Find out more about the Peninsula JFC at peninsulastrikersjfc.com.au
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