As Western Sydney Wanderers’ inaugural captain back in 2012, Michael Beauchamp quickly learned first hand the importance of wearing the armband.
Of course, there was the personal perspective – it was a wonderful achievement to be handed the history-making honour.
But, more importantly for Beauchamp, there was the realization that he was not only leading his teammates but representing the region and community he grew up in.
“Being not only captain of the Wanderers, but the inaugural captain gave me great pride,” Beauchamp said.
“Coming from the west and being able to represent not only the club but the boys as a whole was a great achievement in itself.
“Walking out onto Parramatta Stadium for the first time leading the boys was something that I’ll never forget.”
Beauchamp said that his philosphy as a captain was to lead by example both on and off the field.
A philosophy that has been echoed by this season’s captain Mitchell Duke.
“As a captain, I was more a lead by example type of person. Even before I got the captaincy at the Wanderers, that’s how I went on to the training pitch every day by turning up early to training, always being aware of the boys, how they turned up to training and whether there was something on their mind,” said Beauchamp.
“I felt that I would pick up on a few issues with certain players and help them through some things that were causing them problems off the field.
“Being a great leader is not just walking out on the field first and all the rest, it’s about lifting the boys around you and allowing them to do their best and motivating them to go out there and showing what they can do.”
