Institute keepers take on A-League’s best
Tuesday’s official A-League 2013 season launch earmarked the beginning of what is sure to be the biggest year in the competition’s history.
However for Football NSW Institute goalkeepers Gerard Roebuck and Mitchell Evans the day will be remembered for years to come.
The pair was selected to do what they do best and goal keep against the national leagues’ brightest stars in a promotional penalty shootout.
Despite the age difference between the 15 year old shot stoppers and their A-league idols, the Football NSW glove men did themselves proud with an impressive showing.
It was such an incredible experience,” said Roebuck.
“I have been playing football since I was six years old and this has to be one of the biggest highlights of my football career to date.
“It was a bit nerve wracking to see superstars taking shots at you but after a while the focus steps up and you just concentrate on saving each one.”
Evans shared the view of his teammate stating he couldn’t believe he was spending the day with superstars like Emile Heskey, Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono and Marcos Flores.
“To play against the players you watch each week on TV was a unique experience,” Evans said.
“It was great fun and definitely not something I will forget anytime soon.“
Travelling 3 hours three times a week to train with his Football NSW Institute team, Lithgow local Roebuck believes the opportunity was just reward.
“This has been my first year apart of the institute program and it not only helped me improve my game but has also given me once in a life time experiences like this,” he said.
“The extra sessions, as well as playing with and against other top quality players, have definitely made me a better player.”
Also sharing the experience was Jacob Casha, Luke Prso and Mitchell Mattison from the Football NSW Institute U-12’s side who helped out as ball boys on the day.
To view some photos from the day click here.
For a video wrap of the day’s action including footage of Mitchell and Gerard in full flight click here.
