FNQ FC Heat today recognised two of the club’s most passionate supporters, presenting them with a special honour for the club’s second National Premier Leagues season.

Heat players, Charlie Beverley and Crois O’Hare announced Michael Thwaite and Ben Wenzel as the Number 1 Senior and Junior Members respectively.

Thwaite, a Cairns-raised professional footballer who has played more than 130 A-League games and has 13 senior international caps, has been a supporter of the Heat since the club’s creation late in 2012.

The Perth Glory captain has held several training sessions with FNQ FC Academy teams and attended Heat National Premier Leagues games last season.

He could not attend this morning’s special presentation at Barlow Park but said he was delighted to accept the honour.

“I’m very honoured because I moved to Cairns when I was two year-old and basically left when I was 17 so I spent a good 15 years in Cairns and basically, it’s where I feel like I’m from,” Thwaite told FNQ FC Media.

“Every chance I get back I try and help the club as much as possible and I think becoming the first member is definitely an honour.”

The proud Far Northerner believes the Heat’s success on and off the field, including winning the Team of the Year Award at the recent FFA Australian Football Awards, greatly benefits the local football community.

“It’s definitely a positive step for the future of the club, there’s further steps that we can take for the Far North and winning that accolade last year is only going to push the club forward and, I guess, signings like Alex Smith, the current captain who I’ve played against in the A-League, shows there’s definitely a good direction about the club.

“It’s great to see that through the NPL, there’s a better pathway for the young talented players which wasn’t really there when I was going through the system.”

Thwaite’s A-League commitments will prevent him from making the Heat’s first NPL home match of the year this Saturday.

But he’s expected to again lend a hand at the club during its second season.

“My family is booked to come to Cairns in May so I’ll definitely come down and help out and hopefully get involved with some more training sessions with the younger players and it’s something that I love to do.”

Few at FNQ FC can forget Ben Wenzel’s impact on their inaugural season.

The six year-old cerebral palsy sufferer was one of the loudest fans when he was invited to be a game-day mascot at one of the Heat’s matches last year.

Players took quite a shine to the bubbly sideline screamer; then goalkeeper, Mikel Breckenridge gave Ben one of his gloves which has since become a treasured football memento.

Ben’s dad, Michael Wenzelsays the membership will be cherished too.

“It’s fantastic, Ben is very much looking forward to it,” Michael told FNQ FC Media

“At the game last year he was watching intently and always wanted to know who’s scoring the goals.”

“We’re looking forward to coming down and watching a fair few of the games and we hope the team has a great season and scores many goals!”

FNQ FC Chairman, Adam Garnett says he is delighted to offer the special membership to two people who embody the Heat spirit.

“The Number 1 Adult and Child memberships are a fantastic concept,” Garnett told FNQ FC Media.

“It’s a great way to pay thanks to two of our biggest fans whose support means a great deal to us.”

“Michael’s journey from the junior grades to Cairns to internationals with the Socceroo is incredibly inspiring to our many talented young Heat players.”

“What’s even more praise-worthy is his commitment to give back to his home region; we’ve seen this many times when he’s come back to Cairns to teach our Academy sides.”

“Ben is simply a remarkable young man.”

“I met Ben when the club was helping out at the annual FNQ Cerebral Palsy Support Group Fundraiser last year and was struck by his enthusiasm for football and his determination not to let a physical disability get in the way of being active and having fun.”

“He proved to be a great game-day mascot too; one of my favourite photos of last year was of Ben receiving a goalkeeping glove from Mikel (Breckenridge).”

“He had an expression of pure joy, it was very heart-warming.”

The special memberships give Michael, Ben and their families free entry to FNQ FC National Premier Leagues home games for this year, the opportunity to mingle with the players after each match and some special Heat merchandise.

FNQ FC Memberships offer local football fans a chance to be part of the biggest club in the region and the team named the best in the country at last year’s FFA Australian Football Awards.

Memberships are affordable and come with loads of benefits –visit the FNQ FC website for details: www.fnqfc.com.au/join/members

 

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