Olderoos Come Play in World Masters Games

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Assistant coach Alex Tobin poses during the official Central Coast Mariners 2008/2009 Hyundai A-League portrait session at Bluetounge Stadium on July 15, 2008 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Corey Davis/Getty Images)


A 20 man ‘Olderoos’ squad was unveiled in Sydney today as they were presented with their limited edition ‘Come Play!’ playing strip.
The ‘Olderoos’ team includes some of Australia’s highest capped Qantas Socceroos, including three former captains in Charlie Yankos, Paul Wade and Alex Tobin.
With an impressive playing history, the ‘Olderoos’ have cumulatively made more than 400 ‘A’ international appearances for Australia and are looking forward to returning to the field.  
“We are delighted many of our former Qantas Socceroos are reuniting to compete in the World Masters Games,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
“Like the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, the World Masters Games is yet another example of Australia’s ability to host a major international event,” he added.
More than 30,000 competitors are expected to take part in the World Masters Games with Football being the biggest participation sport. 
It is an Octoberfest of football with current Qantas Socceroos set to play an international friendly match against the Netherlands on Saturday, followed by an AFC Asian Cup qualifier next Wednesday in Melbourne – while a 20 man ‘Olderoos’ squad will
The ‘Olderoos’ will wear limited edition Come Play! strip, to show their support for Australia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.  They were presented with their shirts by members of the current Qantas Socceroos squad and young footballers from around Sydney.
There is also a Come Play! exhibition at the Health and Lifestyle Expo at the Sydney Showground in the Dome until Sunday 11 October.
For more information about Australia’s bid to host the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup, visit australia2018-2022.com.au.
OLDEROOS SQUAD
Qantas Socceroos appearances/goals 

Player

A games (goals)

All games (goals)

Years

Francis Awaritefe

3 (1)

3 (1)

1993-1996

Bob Catlin

?

2 (0)

1990-1993

George Christopoulos

10 (1)

13 (1)

1978-1983

Oscar Crino

39 (6)

70 (12)

1981-1989

Alan Hunter

7 (0)

9 (1)

1986-1988

Graham Jennings

44 (0)

78 (0)

1983-1989

Peter Katholos

14 (2)

22 (3)

1981-1984

Grant Lee

2 (0)

5 (0)

1981-1985

Danny Moulis

1 (1)

4 (3)

1980

Zlatko Nastevski

?

1 (0)

1990

Jeff Olver

37 (0)

51 (0)

1984-1989

Scott Patterson

?

?

?

Gavin Robertson

?

?

?

Wally Savor

23 (0)

38 (0)

1984-1989

Theo Selemidis

7 (1)

17 (1)

1980-1984

Kimon Taliadoros

4 (0)

9 (2)

1990-1993

Alex Tobin

87 (2)

113 (3)

1988-1999

Paul Wade

84 (10)

115 (11)

1985-1996

Robert Wheatley

5 (0)

9 (0)

1981-1990

Charlie Yankos (c)

49 (7)

86 (11)

1983-1990

* Olderoos coach: Tim White.