WOOLGOOLGA United Football Club celebrated their 50th anniversary with a bang last Saturday as Australian football legend Craig Johnston provided a football clinic to the club’s MiniRoos and was their guest speaker at their Seaview Tavern event.

Johnston won the European Cup, FA Cup and five league titles with Liverpool FC and he shared his knowledge with some of Woolgoolga’s MiniRoos at a football clinic.

Craig Johnston spoke passionately about the importance of community football.

“It’s fundamental, to bring the kids together as a team in whatever code, community sport is fundamental to how they behave and grow up as adults, so for me it’s vital.

“It’s a must have, to see the little football players all dressed in the same colour shirts you know it shows identity and camaraderie that stays with them for the rest of their lives, it’s so important,” said Craig.

Woolgoolga FC President Peter Knott echoed the words of the European Cup winner.

“It’s so important, football for us is a lifeblood, we look at our juniors and we have almost 400 registered players, our numbers have gone through the roof this year.

“We’ve got many players between the ages of eight and eleven, it’s magnificent, it is really good for the sport and really good for a little community like Woolgoolga.

“To have Craig Johnston come here is great, to bring the club through 50 years is fantastic, we’ve got guys attending the celebration who were the original players when the club was formed in 1971.

“So for them to be able to come and celebrate this landmark with us and the present committee and players it’s great, a great night,” said Peter.

 

By David WIGLEY