Earlwood Wanderers FC Under 10/3s victorious after two years of losses against a competitive Kiama Junior FC Under 10s in the third annual “Johnny Warren Challenge 2014” exhibition match series on Sat 13 Sep 2014 at the Kiama Sports Complex, Kiama.
Jamie Warren, Chair of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation (JWFF) and nephew of the late Johnny Warren was impressed with the number of “smiling faces” amongst the hundreds of supporters, players and parents at “The Quarry” also known as the Kiama Sports Centre.
The Mayor of Kiama, Brian Petschler, praised “the growth of the game in coastal Kiama and the opportunity to remember one of Australia’s football greats” The Mayor indicated “football has always been part of the local community” He was also presented with a photoframe of Johnny Warren by Jamie Warren for the purpose of finding a new home at the Council’s Chambers.
In 2014, The Johnny Warren Challenge has grown to two exhibition matches and over 50 players, coaches and managers involved in the annual post-season exhibition match series which raises public awareness about the late Johnny Warren and his national contribution to football (soccer) as well as strengthening historical links with Johnny Warren’s former Club, the Earlwood Wanderers Football Club, Kiama Junior Football Club and other clubs that were touched by Johnny Warren’s passion for the “beautiful game”
Earlwood Wanderers FC Under 10/3s, coached by Theo Fotopoulos, Andrew Papas and managed by Angelo Manditis were eager to avenge two years of losses against their Southern NSW cousins, Kiama Junior FC. On their third attempt, Earlwood and Johnny Warren’s former Club were 6-1 victors over a gallant display by a skilful Kiama blues team.
“Earlwood deserved their win today, they worked hard to keep the pressure on their mixed team counterpart and took advantage of the additional opportunities presented on the full FIFA rules sized field”. The Johnny Warren Challenge 2014 symbolises how much more needs to be achieved at the community football level” stated Fotopoulos.
After the two exhibition matches finished, Jamie Warren presented Johnny Warren Football Foundation certificates of participation & appreciation, merchandise including beanies, scarfs and hoodies to all the players and coaches. Theo Fotopoulos presented the Earlwood No.9 Shirt made famous by Johnny Warren to the Chair of the Foundation.
Once the team photos and all player/parent shoot was completed it was off to lunch at the historic Jamberoo Pub which houses many artefacts and memorabillia about Johnny Warren’s life.
“The Kiama Junior Football Club is proud of co-hosting the exhibition match which has doubled in size since last year” said President Mike Emin. We are looking to 2015 to make it three wins against our City cousins in the Under 10 Mixed Team and our Kiama Under 10/1s who won the second exhibition match against Sydney opposition”.
“In the future, we hope to create Johnny Warren Challenge community events and football matches that reconnect with Johnny Warren’s history, as well as avenues to heighten awareness all year round of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation (JWFF) objectives whilst connecting with round ball communities such as Earlwood, Sydney, Kiama and the South Coast” said Jamie Warren, Co-Organiser/Founder, Chair of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation and who is also involved with Kiama Junior Football Club.
Thank you to all event partners, including Kiama Municipal Council, Kiama Junior Football Club, Kiama JFC Under 10 Teams, Johnny Warren Football Foundation, Warren Family, Jamie Warren, Earlwood Wanderers FC, Multimedia (photography/video), SBS The World Game, Four Four Two Australia magazine, Football South Coast, WIN Television, i89FM and the Kiama Independent.
