Club President Lee Rennie said it was a spectacular day where players and their parents got to meet their football heroes.
“The kids loved it, there were lots of selfies being taken and the whole meet and greet was a big success,” he said.
“It was a great way to show the young players what’s possible if you love your football and train hard.”
Playing his 60th consecutive year of soccer, over 45s player Ray McMillan was on hand to meet the young stars and was surprised when Daniela said she remembered him playing in her Dad’s team and riding his bike to games.
“Would’ve been better if she remembered my great football skills instead,” Ray said with a laugh.
“But it was so great Daniela and Adrian took the time out of their busy schedules to come down and meet the young players who were in awe of them and how schmick they looked in their representative outfits; kids really take notice of that.”
Starting in soccer as an eight-year-old for St Johns and then Auburn Juniors, Ray said he’d been involved with Lidcombe Waratahs for over 20 years, joining as a coach for his children and playing in all age groups himself.
“We call ourselves the ‘goats’ and must be one of the oldest teams running around,” the 67-year-old, who surfs in the off-season, said.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always enjoy soccer and I say to the kids, the best trophies you’ll ever win are your mates; I’m still friends with half the guys I started out with as a junior.”
