Australia NewsFor Gold's Sake Kids, Turn Up! |
FORMER Socceroo skipper Paul Okon wants thousands of youngsters to get a free lesson from some of Australia’s finest footballers when Gold Coast United tackle Sydney FC on Saturday.
The club is hoping to heal the rift with locals after the ticket price and stadium closure debacle of the past three weeks.
Admission to this weekend's game is free for kids youngsters under 15 years of age (when accompanied by an adult) in a desperate attempt to reach out to the local community and fill some seats after the recent dismall attendances.
With adult ticket prices now starting at just $19, Gold Coast United are counting on this weekend's glamour match to mark the start of their comeback - and a new beginning for attendances at Skilled Park.
United's assistant coach believes the massive junior football participation base on the Gold Coast should take advantage of the free offer - and take home some tips from the experts.
"Just look at some of the players on show; Culina, Smeltz, Porter, Colosimo, Bridge, Brosque - the list goes on," Okon said. "If I made a list of the top ten players in the A-League then I would have to say that at least half will be playing in the game on Saturday.
"Young players here on the Gold Coast can learn a lot just by watching the movement and skill of these players. Their technique, the things they do, the runs they make - seeing this up close during the intensity of a match is what gives young supporters and players ideas on how to improve their own game.
"Many of the players this weekend will have one eye on a potential Socceroo call-up so we can expect them to display their best form.
"It's a great opportunity for local youngsters to not only see some great players, but a great match. It's first versus third and there's a lot at stake, so it has all the ingredients you look for in a top game.
"Sydney are on fire at the moment and have a forward line who are causing problems for opposition teams wherever they go. For our part, naturally we have plenty of our own dangerous players who have a point to prove and pride to restore."
One of the finest footballers Australia has ever produced, Okon's message to youngsters who had not yet witnessed their local team in action was a simple one.
He added: "If you've never been to a Gold Coast United game, then you couldn't pick a better match than this to come and sample the action for the first time.
"Get there, witness it for yourself and see what it takes to make it to professional level.
"You'll be part of the atmosphere that makes football unique and you'll be supporting your local team, which is so important. That's what being a football player or supporter is all about."
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