Paul Peters hyped for South East Eagles opener

The weekend couldn’t come any quicker for South East Eagles’ Club President Paul Peters as the 39-year-old prepares to hit the ground running with the Return to Football once again for season 2020.

Known as the very heart and soul of the Eastern Suburbs Football Association based side, Peters continues to lead the way as one of the finest volunteers within the football mad area.

“This season is my third as Club President, this role primarily involves overseeing the running of the club with support of the committee. I work closely with the Eastern Suburbs Football Association and other Club Presidents, sponsors, Randwick Council and our apparel partner Ultra Football.

“Then when time permits, I assist with some of our Junior teams along with playing in our Men’s competition.

“In previous seasons I have acted as the Men’s Coordinator, coached junior teams and also served as Vice President.”

Having spent 18 years at his beloved Eagles, Peters has seen many changes, but has been ever so proud of his dedicated and passionate volunteers who continue to assist the club today.

“They are the most vital piece of our club as we know it today.

“Since 1976, our club has been built off the dedication of volunteers that are made up of Parents, Relatives and Friends and we proudly continue this tradition today.

“We have 20 who are either in our committee, coaching or managing and all are amazing at what they do – many of our current committee members either coach or manage our teams such is their passion and dedication for our club.”

Asked how he first fell in love with the round ball game, it was all thanks to his father and grandfather when he ventured off to his first ever National Soccer League game to watch the mighty Sydney Olympic Football Club.

“My love for the game started at the age of 8 where I would frequently attend Sydney Olympic matches with my Father and Grandfather in the old NSL.

“I would memorise the draw anticipating the games each week, from there my love for the sport escalated into an obsession.

“I then began playing in the Eastern Suburbs for our club which was named St Spyridon Soccer Club in those days and from there I enjoyed both playing and supporting the game in which I still do to this day.”

Peters was devastated when news filtered through about the postponement of the season due to COVID-19 – But his prayers were answered when the green light was given in June that Community Football was back on the menu with the code kicking off this weekend.

“We would need to find a stronger word than miss!

“Not being able to play or support the game was tough.

“The most difficult aspect was not being around my teammates, we are very close and not being able to train and compete with them made it tough during lockdown.

“Our Club has a strong family environment, being away from our members just as we had begun training was tough.

“The decision to return to football brought our members and myself great joy as we knew that we could all be on the park in the near future.

“The ability to return to the pitch gave something incredibly positive back to the community during such uncertain times.”

Peters’ football passion has rubbed off on his three children as well as his brother Stephen whom many people would know very well as he is the head Women’s coach for the Blacktown Spartans side playing in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s top tier competition.

“You can say that again, football is in our DNA.

“My three children (Michael, Angelina, Leandro) currently play at the club, my brother Stephen is the Head Coach of Women’s Football at Blacktown Spartans and my wife Athena played with our Club for many years and is one of our biggest supporters.”

Asked how pumped he was for the start of the season, Peters replied.

“I am very pumped.

“We all have our brand new kits packed and ready to go for Round 1 this weekend, bring it on!”