Georges River U12 Annual Tour

🌟 An Open Invitation to Every U12 Player

Each year, Bardon Latrobe’s Under 12 squad packs their boots, jerseys, in anticipation of one of the club’s most cherished traditions: the annual tour to Georges River. More than a football trip, it’s a celebration of history, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of community sport.

No trials, no barriers — this trip is open to every U12 player! It’s your child’s chance to be part of something truly unforgettable. The GR trip goes beyond sport: it’s about building team spirit, sharing the journey together, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Get Involved?

Keep an eye on your inbox — the u12 coordinator will be in touch by email soon. Further details on joining and fundraising for can also be found here.

How It All Began

The roots of this remarkable journey trace back to 1971, when Bardon Latrobe club member Lil Davis penned a letter to Bob Lightbody, then Secretary of the Sutherland Shire Football Association. Her message was simple but bold: was any club open to a youth interchange?

Bob and his wife Val, deeply involved in Georges River Football Club, answered with a resounding yes. And so, Lil and her team of 13-year-olds made the first journey south to Sydney, welcomed by Georges River families for a weeklong stay that blended football with friendship.

An Inclusive Philosophy

At its heart, the tour was built on values that remain central to Bardon Latrobe and Georges River FC today: every player deserves the chance to grow, explore, and connect—regardless of ability. That founding ethos ensures the tour isn’t reserved for elite athletes, but open to every child in the U12s squad. Their philosophy was simple: to give every player the chance to experience a football trip away.

A Tradition Is Born

The following year, Georges River visited Brisbane, and thus began a yearly exchange of shared hosting and friendly rivalry. Over the decades, hundreds of young players have participated in this annual exchange, forging memories across pitches and the lead-up to this tour—the famous Georges River fundraising barbecues, where many friendships are kicked off.

Fundraising With Flair

To make the trip possible, the Bardon Latrobe U12s roll up their sleeves each year and dive into fundraising with gusto. From sizzling sausages at weekend BBQs to lively meat raffles and any other creative idea the committee can dream up, the squad and their families rally together to support the journey. It’s not just about raising money—it’s about building team spirit, community pride, and shared ownership of the adventure ahead.

Shields and Spirit

Today, the teams compete for the Davis Shield and Challenge Shield, named in honour of the founders who believed in more than just football—they believed in connection. While scores are kept, it’s the stories, friendships, and legacy that truly matter.

Looking Ahead

As Bardon Latrobe continues to grow, this tour remains a treasured thread in the club’s history—woven with the values of inclusivity, respect, and community. The boots may be shinier, the kits more modern, but the heart of the journey is unchanged.

Long may it continue.