The third annual “Johnny Warren Challenge 2014” exhibition match kicks off on Sat 13 Sep 2014 between Earlwood Wanderers FC and Kiama Junior FC at the Kiama Sports Complex, Kiama

Jamie Warren, Chair of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation (JWFF) and nephew of the late Johnny Warren will be at the annual community exhibition match to raise public awareness of 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, Johnny Warren Football Foundation and the Kiama Junior Football Club.

The Johnny Warren Challenge commences at the Kiama Sports Centre (also known as the Quarry) on Saturday 13 September 2014 at 11.30am with two matches against two competitive Sydney Under 10 sides. Later on, all players will be invited for Lunch at the historic Jamberoo Pub which also hosts 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. “I am certain, The Earlwood Wanderers Under 10/3s, a mixed team of six boys and four girls are relishing the challenge of playing the Kiama Under 10 team for a third time in three years after two defeats in a row”

After both matches end, Jamie Warren, will address the Earlwood Wanderers FC and Kiama JFC players with a perspective of building greater connection and bonds with Johnny’s history and keeping his vision alive in football clubs around the country – that includes Earlwood Wanderers FC and Kiama Junior Football Club.

“It is an exciting day when your club (Earlwood Wanderers FC) and other teams can reconnect with Johnny Warren’s vision and his life-long commitment to football – the world game. Our Under 10/3s Team have heard about their former Club player Johnny Warren but they are always in awe of the milestone’s Johnny achieved during his football and community life said Theo Fotopoulos, Earlwood Wanderers FC Under 10/3 Team Coach & Co-Founder/Organiser of the Johnny Warren Challenge exhibition match.

“In the future, it will be great to create 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) whilst connecting with round ball communities such as Earlwood, Sydney and Kiama and the South Coast” said Jamie Warren, Co-Organiser/Founder, Chair of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation and who is also a coach with Kiama Junior Football Club.

Apart from public awareness, both Clubs would like to strengthen bonds between them and help establish fundraising initiatives around the “Johnny Warren Challenge” that will benefit football in the way Johnny Warren would have envisaged it in his famous statement “I Told You So”

Thank you to all event partners, including Kiama Council, Kiama Junior Football Club, Johnny Warren Football Foundation, Warren Family, Jamie Warren and Earlwood Wanderers FC

Next Year: The 2015 Challenge is scheduled for Sat 12 Sep 2015, Kiama – Register your team via email theofotopoulos@optusnet.com.au or call Theo Fotopoulos on 0412 480 563