The Foxtel A-League All Stars took time out of their hectic lead up to playing Manchester United to thank the Community All Stars that keep the grassroots of Australian football ticking over.
The Foxtel A-League All Stars took time out of their hectic lead up to playing Manchester United to thank the Community All Stars that keep the grassroots of Australian football ticking over.
All twenty All Stars were involved in the day-s events as they spread out across Sydney, meeting up with canteen workers, BBQ attendants, committee members, club presidents and everyone in between to recognise the daily contribution that they make to the sport they love.
Members of the local communities came out in force as they got the chance to chat to their idols and score some prized signatures.
The day ended with a civic reception a stone-s throw away from Parramatta stadium where Wanderers All Stars representatives Ante Covic and Michael Beuchamp were amongst familiar surrounds as they were joined by coach Ange Postecoglou newly anointed All Stars captain Brett Emerton and Thomas Broich.
Another Wanderer, Mark Bridge, had a unique opportunity to repay the St Mary-s Soccer Club where he played his junior football before rising through the ranks and now having the chance to play some of the world-s best players.
Amongst those in the crowd to meet Bridge in Sydney-s west was one of his former teammates that still plays at the club.
“It was great that the All Stars came out and spent some time in the community with the St Mary-s club,” said Steve Lange who plays in the Nepean Association-s All Age 1-s competition.
“I played with Bridge when I was young and it was nice to have a quick chat with him today. “It-s great that he has gone on and achieved what he has and I am sure he is an inspiration to a lot of people at this club just as he is to me.”
The Foxtel All Stars will again meet with fans when they host an open training session on Sunday July 14.