For many years ECU Joondalup has been renowned for producing some of Western Australia’s finest footballers.
Perth Glory FC is testament to the phenomenon, with seven players from its current squad having spent time at the NPL club in their junior years.
Defenders Aryn Williams, Alex Grant, Josh Risdon and Shane Lowry, strikers Joe Knowles and Adam Taggart along with midfielder Mitch Oxborrow, have all honed their football craft at some point at ECU Joondalup.
“I played there from the age of 14 until about 16 when I decided to make the move to Perth permanently and focus on my football” said Bunbury born Risdon.
“I learned a lot about the sport from my coaches and my time there really helped shape my football” he said.
All seven Glory players paid a visit to the club this week.
Joe Knowles said it was a great to go back and catch up with his friends.
“It brought back lots of memories for me, all good ones,” he said.
“I played my whole junior career here so it’s always good to see the coaches and former team mates. I like the way ECU have developed and changed these last few months, things are looking really professional and positive and it’s great to see the club moving forward.”
ECU Joondalup player-coach and former Glory star Steven McGarry, said he was delighted to have the Perth players pop in for a visit.
“What a great night,” he said.
“The club is really proud of the players, and we hope ECU has helped them in a small way along the road to becoming a professional football player”.
“The juniors enjoyed talking to the players and although they were a little shy, some of the questions made the Glory lads laugh, especially the young lad who asked Shane Lowry about Fahid Ben Khalfallah sending off on Saturday.”
This weekend, the Hyundai A-League action will be celebrated with the Play Football campaign which encourages football fans to register with their local club.
Supporters can get involved and join the game as a player, coach, or referee by registering at myfootballclub.com.au.
With more than 42-thousand people playing the sport in WA, now is the time to be involved with the world game.
Glory heads to New Zealand on Friday, to take on Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.
Perth will then travel to Sydney for its ROUND 19 clash against the Sky Blues before returning to nib Stadium to host Brisbane Roar on February 20.
