Forrestfield United’s innovative approach to the Hyundai Community Football Raffle proved a success for one Thornlie family.
Instead of asking members to sell tickets for the annual club fundraiser, Forrestfield used a portion of registration fees to purchase tickets for players and junior players’ parents. They were then automatically assigned ticket numbers.
And that was a winning approach for Fatima Yousufi, whose son Aliseena plays in the Forrestfield U14s. Fatima claimed first prize, a brand-new Hyundai Tucson N Line Hybrid, valued at $55,992, which the family recently picked up at the Maddington Hyundai showroom.
Aliseena’s older brother Habib said the family was shocked by their stroke of good luck.
“We couldn’t believe it, we were over the moon,” he said before adding, “This is mum’s car, so I’m not sure she will let me drive it!
“We’d like to thank Hyundai as a family, and we’d like to thank Football West. It’s good that they bring everyone together through football.”
This is the sixth year of the Hyundai Community Football Raffle, with every cent raised through ticket sales retained by grassroots WA clubs. This year was the first year of online ticket sales only, with over $290,000 in ticket sales. This brought the total since the raffle began to around $1.4 million.
Hyundai Australia Regional General Manager Michael Beros said: “One hundred per cent of that goes into the clubs, that’s what we love about it.”
After the family unveiled the car, Mr Beros added: “I’m just so excited for this family to be able to drive away in a brand-new Tucson, amazing.
“They had no idea they were going to win a car. They received a book of tickets as part of club registration and seven months later they get a phone call, they’ve won a car. They can’t believe it, they’re still in shock.”
Forrestfield United raised over $27,000 in sales in 2025, as well as pocketing a $3,000 bonus for selling the first prize ticket.
Club Vice President Adam Smith said: “Being able to say one of our members has won – a lovely family – is really good.
“The $3,000 will be reinvested back into our juniors, making sure everyone has enough equipment for what they need to play in the season.”
Football West CEO Jamie Harnwell said: “It’s great to continue the strong partnership we have with Hyundai Australia.
“Another fantastic Community Raffle, over $290,000 raised. Our first year of being digital sales only, an incredible achievement by all of our clubs and all the people out there supporting. It’s just great to see every dollar going back into local football.”
Deborah Guest from the Great Southern won the second prize of a VIP Experience for four into the Hyundai Hospitality Suite at RAC Arena for an event of her choice. The prize is valued at $1,200.
Ms Guest purchased her ticket from Albany Sharks SC, where she is club secretary. Scarlett Bunter received the $2,000 club bonus prize on behalf of Ms Guest.
The third prize was won by Karen Gilgallon, whose nominated club Subiaco AFC received $1,000. Karen won a VIP Experience for two guests in the Hyundai Hospitality Suite at RAC Arena for an event of her choice, valued at $600.
Bayswater City topped the sales tally, with $61,737 worth of tickets sold. This earned the club a bonus prize of $2,500, which Vice President Rocco Maio collected. Fremantle City came second with $37,485. President Tony Estrano received the $1,500 club bonus prize.
The overall total raised from 96,713 ticket sales was $290,139. The total raised since the raffle began is now $1,378,969, with every cent raised through ticket sales staying with the clubs and associations.
