For more than a century, Kilburn Football & Cricket Club has been a proud fixture of the Blair Athol community – What began as the Chicago Football Club in the 1920s has grown into a thriving home for local talent, now fielding five senior and five junior teams and welcoming families, supporters, and players from every corner of the community.

Among them is Club Chairman Glenn Russell, a lifelong Kilburn local and last year’s Clubs SA Volunteer of the Year, whose dedication reflects the heart and spirit that have carried the club through generations.

The club draws many of its players from nearby primary and high schools, while senior players travel from across Adelaide – drawn in by its strong reputation, long history, and unmistakable sense of belonging, Glenn explains, “Once you drive through the gates, you can feel the history… and once you come into the club, especially with our new reno, you get the feel of a really good family‑friendly environment.”

Although Kilburn may sometimes carry an unfair reputation, Glenn is quick to point out that the club tells a very different story – one of warmth, inclusivity, and a community‑driven spirit where people genuinely look out for one another.

Glenn’s connection to Kilburn began in under 11s. And as he says with a laugh, “I haven’t bloody left.” He played all his junior and senior football at the club, but it was the volunteers around him who inspired him to step up. “I saw all the volunteers and the time and effort they put into it,” he recalls. “Clubs need volunteers. I just wanted to do my part and let those people who’d done it for so long have a rest.”

Ten years later, Glenn is still on the board, helping steer the club through growth, renovations, and the day‑to‑day challenges that come with running a community sporting organisation. He’s the first to admit the work is time consuming – but also deeply rewarding. “You do need to have a bit of passion to be on the board,” he says. “But the rewards are great… seeing the club flourishing, seeing the kids smiling, bringing the whole club together.”

That sense of unity is strengthened by the way the club operates. Kilburn is proudly volunteer‑run, with a seasonal meal service in the kitchen on Thursday nights and every second Saturday, a full bar and canteen open to the public on game days, and clubrooms available for venue hire for up to 250 people. These efforts not only support the club financially but help maintain the welcoming, family‑friendly environment that Glenn describes so passionately.

When asked what makes the club’s culture unique, Glenn doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the people,” he says. “People at Kilburn come from all walks of life… but once we come together, it’s a place where you can forget about your troubles and just enjoy yourself.” That sense of belonging continues to grow as the club undergoes major improvements. Stage one of a significant internal renovation has just been completed, with new lighting and change rooms on the way. Stage three, Glenn hints, is a “watch this space” moment — something exciting on the horizon.

Glenn’s advice for anyone thinking about volunteering is simple and heartfelt: “Jump in. Doesn’t matter what your skill set is – your club will always need a hand. Don’t be shy. Tap someone on the shoulder and say, ‘How can I help?’ It’ll be extremely rewarding, and your local club will absolutely appreciate it.” It’s this spirit – humble, generous, and community minded – that earned Glenn the Clubs SA Volunteer of the Year Award, and it’s the same spirit that keeps clubs like Kilburn thriving.

With new volunteers joining eager to contribute, Glenn is optimistic about the club’s future. Fresh faces bring fresh ideas, and the club’s strong foundation ensures it remains a welcoming home for generations to come. If you’re looking for a great local spot in Kilburn, this is the place to be – grab a meal on a Thursday night, enjoy a drink on game day, and feel the energy of a club that’s buzzing with history, heart, and genuine community spirit.

Kilburn Football & Cricket Club is more than a sporting organisation – it’s a living, breathing community. And thanks to volunteers like Glenn Russell, its next 100 years look just as bright as its first.