Football United vs Soccer City

Welcome to episode 81 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and around the World who download this podcast. Additionally, I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Glenn Fontana is our interviewee in episode 81. Born in 1954, Glenn was born and raised in the football town of Balgownie and early on he developed a great love for the game. This interview records his journey of playing junior football, watching Federation football and the Socceroos, joining the senior ranks as a player and then his truly remarkable time in the game as a club and development coach. It was an absolute pleasure to interview Glenn and listen to his memories. I would like to sincerely thank Glenn for the time spent with me before, during and after the interview and for allowing me into his home. Please enjoy episode 81!

Welcome to episode 80 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Rob Noakes is our interviewee in episode 80. Born in 1956, Rob joined Unanderra Hearts JSC in 1964 and spent 5 seasons at the club. In three of these seasons he played in Illawarra representative teams tasting success at Country and State championships. From 1969 through to 1972 Rob took a break from the round ball game and played rugby league. In 1973 he returned to junior football by joining Figtree JSC in the under 17s. In 1974 Rob joined the senior ranks with the highly successful U18s team at Figtree. This started a remarkable and wonderful journey for Rob at Figtree and Wests Figtree, which lasted until the 1989 season. During this period Rob played over 300 games, won several grand finals, league championships and cups as a player and as a coach. These halcyon days at Figtree created a great bond amongst the committee, players, coaches and supporters. Rob was a part of these successes and it was fantastic to go through his football journey. I would like to sincerely thank Rob for the time he gave in recording this interview, the materials he let me scan and for allowing me into his home. Please enjoy episode 80!

Welcome to episode 79 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Ross Emerton is our interviewee in episode 79. Ross was born in 1947 and grew up on Wallace Road Fernhill. He had a love of football and in 1957 he joined Balgownie Junior Soccer Club. After one year at Balgownie, he then joined Tarrawanna Junior Soccer Club. This move was significant and cannot be understated as Ross is still involved today with Tarrawanna Junior Football Club and the Tarrawanna Blueys Football Club. Across eight decades Ross has either played, coached and or been a committee member with the juniors and has played, coached and or been a committee member with the senior club (which he helped re-form in 1967 along with other great Tarrawanna people). And in these eight decades Ross additionally played senior football with Bellambi, Fernhill and Balgownie Rangers. Plus he coached at Balgownie Rangers, was a committee member of the Illawarra Womens Soccer Association for a year, coached a women’s team at Fernhill Soccer Club in the mid-1980s and was an assistant coach with an Illawarra Women’s team who played in Sydney in the 1980s. Ross is extremely modest about his abilities and achievements. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his great journey and respect his energy and love for his Blueys. I would like to sincerely thank Ross for the time he gave up in recording this interview, the materials he let me scan and for allowing me into his home. Please enjoy episode 79!

Welcome to episode 78 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Rob Giraldi is our interviewee in episode 78. Born in 1961, Rob joined Woonona Junior Soccer Club in 1967. It is here where he started his path as a striker in the game under Jock Young. Growing up in this era Rob was watching Fairy Meadow out at Dalton Park with his Dad and of course he was watching South Coast United and Safeway United at the old Balls Paddock at Woonona. After playing with Woonona Junior Soccer Club and in junior representative teams with Federation clubs Balgownie and Wollongong City, Rob then forged a brilliant career in the Illawarra District Soccer Association, NSW State League and National Soccer League playing with Fairy Meadow, Wollongong Macedonia, Wollongong Wolves, Port Kembla, Corrimal Rangers, Russell Vale, Northern United and Tarrawanna. I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Rob’s football journey. I have sincere respect and thanks for the time Rob gave up to do this interview and for allowing me into his home. Please enjoy episode 78!

Welcome to episode 77 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Walter Chichkan is our interviewee in episode 77. He was born in the Ukraine in 1938 and after surviving World War II, his Family came out to Australia on the 1st of August 1949. He grew up in the football village of Balgownie and it is here that his football career started at Balgownie Public School. After a period of time Walter then played fullback with the historic Balgownie Club in U14s and in U16s. Although he wanted to play in the goalkeeper position like his idol and big brother Victor, Walter was highly successful in representing his district and state at fullback in junior representative teams. Walter joined Woonona-Bulli in the State League as a 17 year old in 1955. He broke into the first team that year playing nine games as a defender. Astoundingly in 1956 Walter then became the first grade goalkeeper for Woonona-Bulli, an amazing transition, which fulfilled his ambition of playing in goals. In 1957 and 1958 he continued to play for Woonona-Bulli, however in 1959 he re-joined his hometown club Balgownie in state league and played here until 1962. After a year off in 1963 Walter then played goalkeeper at Helensburgh, Wollongong Olympic, Coledale and lastly with Fairy Meadow where he retired in 1971. In 1972 he became a referee in the IDSA competitions and did this for a year. In 1977 he joined the Fairy Meadow SC as a committee member. Walter was with Fairy Meadow until 1986 and he was a large part of their success in the late 1970s in the IDSA competition and in the 1980s in the NSW State league competitions. Plus I briefly speak to Walter about coaching his son and other players at Balgownie Junior Soccer Club. I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Walter’s football journey. I have sincere respect and thanks for the time Walter gave up to do this interview and for allowing me into his home. And I must thank Walter’s son John for setting up the interview and for transferring 1950s Illawarra football film into digital files. Please note it is John’s voice you can occasionally hear in the background during the interview. Please enjoy episode 77!

Welcome to episode 76 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Rade Stevanovski is our interviewee in episode 76. He was born in a village near Bitola, Macedonia, in 1958. With no structured football development in his childhood and teenage years, Rade had to develop and learn the game by watching TV and practising. With repetition, skill and perseverance, Rade then made his way into Bitola’s Transkop Football Club, which played against teams from all parts of Yugoslavia. In 1981 he received a phone call from his Aunty in Australia which changed his life trajectory and in that year he came out to Australia for a new opportunity and to play football with Wollongong Macedonia in the 2nd tier of the NSW State League. In the next 20 years Rade then made a name for himself in the National Soccer League, NSW State League and Illawarra Premier League. Most notably he was part of the highly successful Wollongong City Wolves team who won the double in the NSW State League in 1987 and won the 1988 NSL league championship. I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Rade’s football journey. I have sincere respect and thanks for the time Rade spent in delving into his football career and for allowing me into his home. Please enjoy episode 76!

Welcome to episode 75 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally, I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Fabio Fabrianesi is our interviewee in episode 75. Born in Italy in 1952, Fabio and his family emigrated from Italy to Australia. His first initiation with football was with Port Kembla Danube JSC in 1962 as an outfield player. His love of the game further developed throughout the 1960s via playing and watching the game. And with his Father’s history as a goalkeeper in Italy and Fabio’s love of George Ramage from South Coast United it was no surprise that Fabio became a goalkeeper when the opportunity arose with Port Kembla United in senior football. This podcast delves into his goalkeeping career, which encompasses his time in the Illawarra, Italy, Federation football, the Phillips Soccer League and then back to the Illawarra. Along with Fabio’s brilliant thoughts and memories there are three additionally interviews added into this podcast that give further insights into Fabio. So thank you to Dave Curley, Lou Del Turco and Albert Ciocci. I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Fabio’s football experiences. I have sincere appreciation, respect and thanks for the time, Fabio spent in delving into his football journey. Please enjoy episode 75!

Welcome to episode 74 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Allan Piggot is our interviewee in episode 74. Born in Dundee Scotland in 1953 Allan developed a deep passion for football early in his life. Allan started playing football in the streets of Dundee and at Ann Street Primary School in the 1950s. In these early years Allan would go and watch Dundee at Dens Park when they played midweek and even went by himself to watch Dundee against Rangers in the 1963-64 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park with 120,000 other supporters. In his teenage years Allan played in school, youth club and representative football teams. After he left school he joined Kirriemuir Thistle FC and was training with East Fife FC. And it was at this point in his life he saw a newspaper article about Safeway United’s manager and Dundee local Jim Harris that changed his life. In the article Jim Harris said if any footballers were interested in coming to Australia then they should contact Jim. Allan contacted Jim and in the space of 10 days his Australian adventure had begun. I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Allan’s football experiences. I have sincere appreciation, respect and thanks for the time Allan spent in driving down from Singleton to Corrimal to record this interview. Please enjoy episode 74!

Welcome to episode 73 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Billy Williams is our interviewee in episode 73. Born in Thirroul and growing up in Woonona in the 1930s, Billy was a footballer who represented his club, region, state and country as a junior and senior footballer. This interview was conducted a while ago via Billy’s son Greg who I must sincerely thank for setting this interview up. This interview with Billy is fantastic in many ways and as Billy was humble about his success on the football field, I have added further details about his junior and senior football exploits from newspaper articles and other documents to demonstrate the career Billy Williams had in the Illawarra and for his region, state and country. In my humble opinion Billy would be “one of the” top ten Illawarra football players in the 1950s, so to get a few of his memories and thoughts was fantastic. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to record and listen to some of Billy’s football experiences. I have immense appreciation and thanks for the time Billy gave up in recording this interview and further thanks must go to Andrew Howe, Greg Stock, Mark Boric and Doug Butcher for the statistics I have used in this podcast. At the end of my interview with Billy Williams there is an additional interview with Peter Glass and his thoughts on Billy as a player. For those who have not listened to previous podcasts, Peter Glass was our interviewee on episode 62 and I thank Peter for doing this additional interview. Please enjoy episode 73!

Welcome to episode 72 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Peter Thompson is our interviewee in episode 72. Born in 1961, Peter’s first memories of football are at Elizabeth Park Bellambi, where he and his mates came together to kick a ball around and sometimes be ballboys for the senior team. Along with playing for Bellambi Junior Soccer Club, Peter played a few years in Illawarra Representative teams, an experience he enjoyed. And on this note I must apologise as I did not ask Peter about this topic in the interview, so at the 20 minute mark I have added in a further mobile interview with Peter on his junior representative career. After having a period of time away from the game after junior football, Peter joined the senior ranks in 1979 with Fernhill Soccer Club and stayed with this club for his whole career. Peter is a humble man who played for his club and fellow team mates. It is clear he has a genuine passion for the game and his club Fernhill. Widely regarded and respected at his club and around the Illawarra, it was phenomenal to hear Peter thought’s on his time in the game, in particular the people at Fernhill. Peter has experienced the joy of being a one club man and is still involved at the club today. I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Peter’s football experiences. I have sincere appreciation and thanks for the time Peter allowed me to be in his home recording and the archival items he allowed me to scan. Please enjoy episode 72!

Welcome to episode 71 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Robert Fryer is our interviewee in episode 71. Born in 1954, Robert’s first memories of football are at primary school with Worthington Road. From this point forward Robert progressed into representative teams with the Altrincham Sale Schools team and Cheshire County, which ultimately lead to a series of trials with professional football clubs in the United Kingdom and his signing with Birmingham City Football Club. After finishing with Birmingham City Robert had a meeting with South Coast United’s former star Jim Kelly in the UK and after agreeing to terms to play with South Coast United so began Robert’s journey into Australian Football in 1972. For the next three decades Robert as a player, coach and administrator was a part of many clubs and many special moments in Illawarra and in Australian football. Robert has experienced the full set of emotions in his football life and at the heart of it all he is grateful and respectful of the game. He is competitive and disciplined but more importantly understands the connection that clubs have to their communities and the friendships that are developed at clubs. I enjoyed immensely recording and listening to Robert’s time in the game as he has had a wide array of experiences. I have sincere appreciation and thanks for the time Robert allowed me to be in his home recording and the effort he gave in helping me flesh out his football timeline. Please enjoy episode 71!

Episode 70 Steve Micevski Welcome to episode 70 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Steve Micevski is our interviewee in episode 70. Steve grew up playing junior soccer with Warilla Wanderers and Shellharbour Workers JSCs in the early 1980s through to the mid 1980s. During this time Steve was immersing himself in local football at different levels and this led to his passion for the game. We discuss Steve’s senior career as a player and as a coach across many wonderful Illawarra clubs from the mid 1980s through to today. Steve has experienced the ups and downs of football but has always applied himself in a positive way. This can be heard in regards to his experiences at All-Fab Shellharbour, Kiama, Cringila, Kemblawarra, Albion Park White Eagles, Wollongong United and Warilla Wanderers. Steve has developed life long relationships in his time with football and this says a lot about the man. In regards to his successes he is humble and acknowledges those around him. I thoroughly enjoyed going through Steve’s time in Illawarra football and him recalling his footballing life and for me it was a delight. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Steve took in recording this episode. Please enjoy episode 70!

Welcome to episode 69 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Rex Leighton is our interviewee in episode 69. For over several decades Rex has been a part of the Illawarra football fabric and continues to be part of our wonderful community. In this episode we examine his Family’s connection with the game; his junior and senior football career; his coaching appointments; his refereeing journey and the various footballing administrative roles that he has fulfilled in the region. Extremely humble, Rex has given so much to Illawarra football and listening to his journey was a fantastic experience for me in so many ways. Due to his varied journey we examine different areas of the game in the Illawarra along with hearing about great people, clubs and organisations. It was absolutely terrific listening to Rex recalling his footballing life and for me it was a pleasure recording his memories. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Rex took in recording this episode. Please enjoy episode 69!

Episode 68 Steve Sowry Welcome to episode 68 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia, Barcelona, Richardson and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Steve Sowry is our interviewee in episode 68. Born in Seacroft Leeds in the United Kingdom in 1951, Steve enjoyed listening to football on the radio, watching his Father play the game and playing goalkeeper for his primary and high schools. In 1962 his Family emigrated to Australia and it is here where his football journey in Oz began. We explore his time at Balgownie Hostel Junior Soccer Club, going from goalkeeper to striker and playing for the Hostel’s senior team. Additionally we examine his time at the German influenced North Wollongong Soccer Club, Figtree SC, Fairy Meadow United SC and finally the remainder of his football career with Figtree SC as a player and as a coach. It was absolutely brilliant listening to Steve recalling his footballing journey, especially when we delve into his thoughts on former team mates, games played, coaches and opponents. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Steve took in recording this episode. Please enjoy episode 68!

Episode 67 Eric Thompson (Part 3) Welcome to episode 67 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Episode 67 will be split into multiple parts and will delve into a wonderful servant of Illawarra football, Eric Thompson. From the late 1960s through to his passing in 2015 Eric Thompson has played alongside, coached, mentored, supported and encouraged hundreds of people in the Illawarra football community. The width and depth of Eric’s football career is immense. I have tried to place the interviews I have collected in date order but there are times where people interact with Eric multiple times so it is not always possible. However it is clear that we have only touched the surface with people’s memories of Eric but I truly believe what is presented gives an honest reflection of the man and his football personality. And please note this podcast is dynamic and can be added to in the future so please contact me if you want to record your memories of Eric. It was a privilege to organise and record people’s memories of Eric. I am truly indebted to the many people who have given up their time, memories and emotions by being part of this podcast. Please note as this episode was recorded over mobile phones there are some slight issues at times with audio quality and for that I apologise. Please enjoy part 3 of episode 67! Episode 67 - Part 3 - Interviewees George Prentoski John Krajnovic Icko Atanasoski Johnny Simonovski Jason Higgs Jeff Allport Pablo Neira John Frew George Antoniou Jason Lima Krste Kojoski Sebastian Dallas Stefan Dimoski

Episode 67 Eric Thompson (Part 2) Welcome to episode 67 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Episode 67 will be split into multiple parts and will delve into a wonderful servant of Illawarra football, Eric Thompson. From the late 1960s through to his passing in 2015 Eric Thompson has played alongside, coached, mentored, supported and encouraged hundreds of people in the Illawarra football community. The width and depth of Eric’s football career is immense. I have tried to place the interviews I have collected in date order but there are times where people interact with Eric multiple times so it is not always possible. However it is clear that we have only touched the surface with people’s memories of Eric but I truly believe what is presented gives an honest reflection of the man and his football personality. And please note this podcast is dynamic and can be added to in the future so please contact me if you want to record your memories of Eric. It was a privilege to organise and record people’s memories of Eric. I am truly indebted to the many people who have given up their time, memories and emotions by being part of this podcast. Please note as this episode was recorded over mobile phones there are some slight issues at times with audio quality and for that I apologise. Please enjoy part 2 of episode 67! Episode 67 - Part 2 - Interviewees Paul Dallas Brendon Flood Garth Morton Dean Merola Richard Peil Andrew Naylor Glenn Kearton Matt Horsley Graham Lovett

Episode 67 Eric Thompson (Part 1) Welcome to episode 67 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Episode 67 will be split into multiple parts and will delve into a wonderful servant of Illawarra football, Eric Thompson. From the late 1960s through to his passing in 2015 Eric Thompson has played alongside, coached, mentored, supported and encouraged hundreds of people in the Illawarra football community. The width and depth of Eric’s football career is immense. I have tried to place the interviews I have collected in date order but there are times where people interact with Eric multiple times so it is not always possible. However it is clear that we have only touched the surface with people’s memories of Eric but I truly believe what is presented gives an honest reflection of the man and his football personality. And please note this podcast is dynamic and can be added to in the future so please contact me if you want to record your memories of Eric. It was a privilege to organise and record people’s memories of Eric. I am truly indebted to the many people who have given up their time, memories and emotions by being part of this podcast. Please note as this episode was recorded over mobile phones there are some slight issues at times with audio quality and for that I apologise. Please enjoy part 1 of episode 67! Episode 67 - Part 1 - Interviewees Gary Masters Neil McKinley Paul Cavallari Andy Mullan Phil Scott David Curley Greg Waters Mark Sweeney Ross Emerton Andrew Christie

Welcome to episode 66 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thanks to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Daniel Hastings is our interviewee in episode 66. Daniel started his football journey at Abbotsford JSC in Sydney before a family move to the Illawarra meant that he joined Figtree JSC. From here Daniel experienced Figtree JSC, Illawarra junior representative football teams before entering the senior ranks with the Wollongong Wolves NSL youth team. During his stint with the Wolves youth team, Daniel joined Lysaghts in the IPL and during the next three decades also had stints in the IPL, Conference league and amateur leagues with West Figtree, Northern United, Western Suburbs, Bulli, Berkeley and a few amateur football teams such as Harp Olympic, Mates United and the Coledale Waves. Daniel has experienced quite a bit as a first grade footballer and has interacted with many quality Illawarra football people during his football journey. Add in a brief stint with the Wollongong Wolves as a board member and his family’s involvement in the game and you can understand why Daniel is a passionate footballer and footballing person in the region. It was absolutely fantastic listening to Daniel talk about his footballing journey. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Daniel took in recording this episode. Please note as this episode was recorded over mobile phones there are some slight issues at times with audio quality and for that I apologise. Please enjoy episode 66!

Welcome to episode 65 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football public of the Illawarra, Australia and the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Norm Boardman is our interviewee in episode 65. A humble and passionate football man, Norm started his journey at East Bankstown Soccer Club and it is here where he learnt about the game and made some great friendships amongst fantastic people. It is apparent when listening to Norm that he has acquired a wide array of experience and diversity in his appointments. He seems to challenge himself all the time as a coach and as a person. For Norm, self reflection is an important asset to use and he utilises this for the benefit of himself and others. He is passionate about the game and coaching, he believes no matter what level a player is at they deserve to get coached properly and reach their maximum potential. He has coached in various positions across the different tiers in Australian football but ultimately he loves being on the ground because when he has his boots on working with kids, players and parents that is where he is the happiest as a coach. It was truly fascinating and an honour to hear about his footballing journey. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Norm took in recording this episode. He has no plans to retire and nor should he, based on the passion I hear in his voice. Please note as this episode was recorded over mobile phones there are some slight issues at times with audio quality and for that I apologise. Please enjoy episode 65!

Episode 64 David Graovac Welcome everybody to episode 64 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football public of the Illawarra, Australia and the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the great people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. David Graovac is our interviewee in episode 64. This very talented midfielder who is synonymous with the White Eagles (initially Wollongong White Eagles and then the Albion Park White Eagles) discusses his football journey, which spans over three decades in the Illawarra. David details his time watching Wollongong White Eagles as a boy at Herb Clunas Oval with his Grandfather, his junior football journey with Wollongong Olympic, Figtree and the Illawarra Lions junior representative teams. He delves into his senior career with the White Eagles, a club where he spent 17 seasons. It was fantastic to hear David’s recollections about parts of his footballing journey. My appreciation and respect go out to him and his Family for giving up their time, so I could record this interview in their home. Note that at the end of David’s interview there is an additional few minutes of a chat I recorded with Harvey Rodriguez a former teammate and friend. Thanks to Harvey for giving us further insight into David the player. Please enjoy episode 64!