Wonscudplay F.C. primarily made up of coaching staff from Central Coast Lightning and Central Coast Thunder representative programs, are venturing north in their quest for the holy grail and a possible last shot at victory. Most of the players in this squad have already retired from playing at least once, and to don the mighty Sky Blue and Navy colours of Wonscudplay, is going to be a huge task in itself (Particularly finding clothes to fit them).
Lightning's coaching ranks are well represented in this venture with Peter "Shirl" Preston (one of the few actually still actively playing) and representing the Under 13 program, is joined by Daniel "Patafta" Barrett and David "Curly" Hurley (Ltn Under 11's), Tony "Beckenbird" Bird (Ltn Under 12's), Garry "Baa Baa" Chambers (Ltn Under 15's), Glenn "Hitman" Hall (Ltn Under 16's), while Ashley "Tip Top Frankie" Grant and John "Houdini" Hardwick represent Lightning's Premiership winning Under 18 side.
Not to be outdone, Thunder pitches in with Daniel Mazzetti and Alex Disciascio (better known as Spaghetti and Ravioli) from the Under 14 program and they are hoping to bring the South American flair. It has been suggested that if both players are on the field we may need two balls....one for them and another for everybody else to play.
Further bolstering the ranks is Kurt “Doona” Pilson one of our supporting parents, Errol “In like Flynn” Baker (Kincumber President), and Guillermo “Wilbur” Piriz from Gwandalyn will provide additional strength (Not to mention a second player who can actually run).
Brisbane import Reece “Fat Cracker” James will add stability at the back, whilst Dean “The Gaff” Arigho, CCF’s Catering Manager and High Performance Manager Mark “The Boss” Boyd make up the remaining numbers of the outfield playing staff.
The team is supported by Thunders Under 11 supremo Dudley “Tech Advisor” Lister, who assumes the coaching reigns in undoubtedly his toughest coaching challenge in his short career. Additional support off field is provided by Matt “I Can Get It” Dwyer. Matt’s background as a sports trainer will no doubt be put to the ultimate test, in keeping 16 less than pristine physical specimens on the park for a week long tournament.
Wonscudplay have been fortunate in securing it’s final signing Darryl “Prince of Darkness” Darke into their playing roster this week after considerable negotiation with Darke’s management team. This signing is a significant find as Darke’s area of speciality is goalkeeping, not exactly a strength with any of our other playing staff, actually most couldn’t catch flu in an epidemic.
The team has been busy with fundraising activities recently and procurement of sponsorships and are pleased at successes with international sporting goods supplier Uhlsport coming on board with the team playing strip and playing boots. Seeing as many of these players probably used to nail their studs into their boots when they played, the technology of a bladed Uhlsport boot will be a welcome feel to the feet.
The Pan Pacific Masters Games is held on the Gold Coast from the 1st – 9th November 2009. Some 10,000 Masters Games competitors will contest some 30 different sports. For more information go to www.mastersgames.com.au Wonscudplay F.C. will contest the over 35 Football tournament.
When asked about the seriousness of this venture a WFC representative said "This tournament's about competing amongst other like minded past players, it'll be a great opportunity to play a competitive tournament and mix a little bit of socialising and family time. Most of us are looking forward to many of the off field activities but above all else we'll play to the best of our ability and have some fun doing it!" |
