Barely over the jet lag after their European Football Tour, Newington Football boys gathered in Old Boys Lecture Theatre with their esteemed leader, Director of Football Mr Brian McCarthy, for a special Q&A session with three Perth Glory players, Diego Castro, Andy Keogh and Richard Garcia. Set up like a press conference, the players took the hot seat as boys from the audience asked questions regarding everything from coaching and prep to the difference between Football in Australia and Football in Europe.

With all three players coming from incredibly different backgrounds – Diego from Spain, Andy from Ireland and Richard from Australia – each player provided some interesting comments about how they came to be where they are.

Richard, who is originally from Western Australia and went on to play for West Ham United said that the difference between young players in Australia versus players in Europe is small at the age of 12,13 and 14, but this changes drastically at 15 and onwards.

“Over there you have players like Diego, but he’s not the only one. There are a couple more thousand players out there like him.

“We’re kind of in a bubble because over there it is the number one sport and everyone plays it so the competition is a lot more fierce and with more competition people grow and get better and with that comes a lot more players.

“They have more history with the sport, it’s in their blood, so they are not finding it at 10 and 11, they are finding it at 2.”

However despite the differences in culture, the intelligence of the individual to take what is worthwhile from each game, each setting and each piece of instruction from the coach is pivotal to improvement and success.

Likewise, in answer to a question about what each of them would do if they were down one, two or three points in a game, they said that the mental strength of the whole team, not just the star power of one or two players is what can get you through a tough situation.

Lots of food for thought for our New Football boys to take into the season ahead. 

Good luck!