The Johnny Warren Memorial Cup celebrates its 20th anniversary tomorrow and event organisers couldn’t be happier. The event pays tribute to the late Captain Socceroo Johnny Warren, whose immeasurable contribution to Australian football has inspired so many people to keep raising the bar for the game in this country.
From humble beginnings with six over 35 teams and a small organising committee, the event now comprises of 76 teams with two women’s and three men’s divisions, making it the biggest 7’s football tournament in the country. The first game kicks off at Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo at 8.30pm on Friday night, with games continuing throughout the day on Saturday.
Event Founder Jamie Warren said “Uncle John was a strong supporter of and a regular attendee at this event in its early days, he continues to inspire and motivate us all twelve years after lung cancer took his life in 2004 at the age of 61 – I know he would be proud of the continued growth and success of this prestigious event”.
This year the Jamberoo Football Club have agreed to become the annual event host. Alan Smith, Jamberoo FC Tournament Director said “we are extermely honoured to be hosting the Johnny Warren Memorial Cup for the first time. With over 760 participants and 132 matches played over two days, we are determined to ensure this festival of football continues to recognise our football idol and friend, that it continues to unite people from all walks of life and that it enables the football family to continue to discuss Johnny’s amazing life story”.
Alan Smith added,”the Johnny Warren Memorial Cup can also proudly announce Strebre Delovski, one of the Hyundai A-league’s most experienced and well respected referees, who had a long and distinguished career in both the Hyundai A-League and on the international FIFA panel, before his retirement in 2016, will referee the finals of the Men’s Over 35 and Over 45’s divisions. In addition, we have also secured the services of experienced Football South Coast Premier League referees Peter Ilcevski and Steve Bozic to assist with the finals series”.
Strebre Delovski said “I have spoken to Jamie (Warren) on a number of occassions at various events and have advised him I would be willing to help out for this prestigious event if I was available. Johnny was a huge supporter and provided a great deal of encouragement to referees and I’m looking forward to participating and continuing to build on Johnny’s legacy”.
The full draw for the 20th Johnny Warren Memorial Cup is available at: www.jwff.com.au.
Foot-note: Thank you to Anthony Siokos, the Johnny Warren Community (JWC) Founder for forwarding the two fantastic photographs of Johnny used in this story.
#IToldYouSo #JWMC20 #JWC #JWFF #sheilaswogspoofters
John Warren, former Socceroo, talks about his fight with cancer, 4 November 2003.
SMH Picture by ROBERT PEARCE
Event Details:
What: 20th Johnny Warren Memorial Cup (Fundraiser for the Johnny Warren Football Foundation).
When: Friday and Saturday the 3rd and 4th of February 2017.
Where: Kevin Walsh Oval, Allowrie Street, Jamberoo NSW.
