Future Stars Watch the Socceroos
Ben Turra, Michael Judd, Rhys Thege and Josh Butterworth-Smith, along with SSF coach Mark Judd, were privileged to view the match from the Optus SSF bench only metres from the Socceroo’s bench. In addition to pitch side seating, the group also received a full Socceroo’s away strip and Optus jacket to remember the occasion by.
The boys were positioned directly in front of the Socceroo’s warm up area and all watch the national stars very closely. As the game commenced the excitement rose and it was only a matter of minutes before the entire Optus bench rose as the Socceroo’s put the ball in the back of the net, only to be denied by an off-side ruling.
At half time the boys were interviewed by Fox Sports and the footage streamed live on the big screen at the ground. Following this an additional four TVFC players took to the pitch on AAMI Park. Flynn George, Zoe Clarke, Ben Dorling and Fearghus Lewis joined their team mates to play a demonstration SSF match in front of the 24,000 strong crowd. The kids did TVFC proud as they displayed their skills admirably and shared the ball around. Following the demonstration match, the kids then formed a guard of honour as players from both Australia and Saudi Arabia returned to the pitch for the second half of the match.
There was much excitement during the second half of the qualifier as Australia turned a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead, via a brilliant five minute period of play from the Socceroo’s. The kids and their parents really enjoyed the goal fest and celebrated accordingly.
By the end of the match, all from Trafalgar Victory were fully satisfied with the result and the all-round experience. It was indeed a great opportunity for our upcoming stars and capped off an excellent week for the kids, many of whom also met the Socceroo’s captain Lucas Neill earlier in the week.
Coach Mark Judd was hopeful that players from his team would also aspire to one day play for the Socceroo’s. Who knows, perhaps a possible Socceroo’s captain is amongst the current TVFC SSF team. As Optus say “Anything is possible!”.
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