Paul Christenson: From 2GB Radio Producer to Community Footballer
He may have worked with one of the best in the radio industry for 29 years on the Alan Jones show, well-respected 2GB Radio Producer Paul Christenson is one of the many thousands of footballers returning to the sport he’s missed, namely football as the star goalkeeper with the Prouille Men’s Over 45’s side playing in the Northern Suburbs Football Association.
The 58-year-old who also played for Thornleigh Thunder and Mitchell College in Bathurst couldn’t wait to put the boots back on after the Community Football season was given the green light to proceed as of July 1st.
Having commenced his love for the game at the age of six, Christenson took a few years off due to injuries but rediscovered that thirst for the world game after he turned 45.
Proudly playing for Prouille’s over 45’s Division 4 side, Christenson, like so many footballers across the state, breathed a sigh of relief when the COVID-19 restrictions eased allowing Community Football to be played.
“What I missed most about the game was getting together with my mates and having a run-around (and hopefully winning!).
“I was thrilled when I heard the season was back as I, like so many others, were worried that we wouldn’t have played any football this year.”
Christenson was eagerly anticipating his club’s first match for 2020 but needed to wait an extra week as their round 1 fixture was deemed as a bye.
“We’re actually in a 13-team competition and we have a first round bye, so it’ll be the second weekend for us we get to play our opening match of the season.”
Football is well and truly part of the Christenson family as his two sons and daughter all played football.
“Correct, my two sons and one of my daughters all played for Prouille from Kindergarten right through to Year 6 and kept playing into high school (and beyond in my daughter’s case).
“One of my sons still plays. He’s lining up for Northbridge’s Under 18’s this year. A lot of his mates play for the club and I know he too couldn’t wait to commence the season once more.”
Due to Christenson’s heavy workload and crazy hours, training has been hard to come by for the radio producer who will now be working with former Channel 7 news reporter and football advocate Jim Wilson on the 2GB Drive Show.
“To be honest I haven’t trained with the team for decades.
“Until recently I worked in breakfast radio for close to 30 years and getting out of bed at 2am doesn’t really lend itself to running around at 8pm at night.
“I do however exercise separately to try and keep fit.
“Yes, I will be producing the drive show for Jim Wilson taking over the reins on Monday 6th of July.
“It’s been a bit of a challenge trying to convince my body it doesn’t need to wake up at 2am and to stop it falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon.”
Asked how it was to work for the great man Alan Jones, Christensen stated to Football NSW.
“I spent nearly 29 years producing the show.
“It was an amazing experience being able to work on the most successful radio show in the country with memories that will last a lifetime.”
