Has Australian football ever had a bigger supporter than Johnny Warren?
Has Australian football ever had a bigger supporter than Johnny Warren?
Unlikely.
The late, great footballer, journalist and broadcaster considered football a religion and took it upon himself to spread the round ball word throughout Australia and beyond.
And seven years after his untimely passing, the Johnny Warren legacy lives on through his foundation.
In October 2004, The Johnny Warren Football Foundation was launched by Johnny and then New South Wales Premier Bob Carr. The NSW government provided seed funding for the Foundation in its early days.
Since its inception the Foundation has helped thousands of young people, with many being from disadvantaged backgrounds, receive coaching and playing opportunities free of charge.
Warren wanted football made available to the masses, regardless of circumstances.
Johnny never forgot how he fell in love with the game as a young child in the Canterbury district before gravitating towards the superpower that was become to St George.
The Saints, playing an attacking brand of football with a pot puriri of players from various ethnic backgrounds, won six State League titles in 12 years.
It was from St George that Warren would go on to represent Australia in 42 internationals, captaining the Socceroos on 24 of those occasions.
With Sydney FC heading deep into St George territory for their game against Brisbane Roar on Sunday, we have launched a competition to find a fan, player or official who is making a significant contribution to the game.
In 25 words or less tell how you contribute to football in your community via the comments module below this article.
After all the comments have been collected, we will choose the ‘best’ comment and this lucky fan will win a signed, framed photo of Johnny Warren – limited edition 245/1000 valued at $500.
The competition runs until 5.00pm Friday 16 December 2011.
For more information on the Johnny Warren Foundation – or to make a donation please click here
Don’t forget Sydney FC take on the defending champions Brisbane Roar this Sunday at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah – kick off 5pm. For full ticketing details click here
