Earlwood Wanderers celebrate 70 years
Canterbury Association’s Earlwood Wanderers Football Club kicked-off celebrations for their 70th anniversary with a special heritage evening event at their clubhouse last week.
More than 100 former Socceroos and National Soccer League players were in attendance including Peter Katholos and Chris Kalantzis.
Key note speaker John Doyle spoke of his eight-year mentorship of Socceroo Tim Cahill as well as many other things as guests shared stories and memories in what was an emotional evening.
Club spokesperson Theo Fotopoulos said the event was hugely successful.
“It was a very successful exercise and a true celebration of football heritage not only for Earlwood but for Australian football,” Fotopoulos said.
“We had people come from interstate and all over NSW which was great to see.”
The club has produced five Socceroos including Johnny Warren, Johnny Watkiss and Bernie Ibini.
Warren played youth football with the club before going on to represent Australia at the 1974 World Cup.
Raskopoulos also played youth football with the Wanderers before a decade long career with Sydney Olympic and playing 14 games for Australia – twice as captain.
Club officials confirmed the event is a first of many throughout the year.
“There are plans in place for a couple of other events as the year goes by,” Fotopoulos said.
“Our strip will also have 70 year anniversary recognition and we want to continue celebrating this milestone this year.”
