Western Sydney Wanderers centre back Michael Beauchamp was present at Valentine Sports Park over the weekend as the Frank Broughton and Centenary Cups took place.
Western Sydney Wanderers centre back Michael Beauchamp was present at Valentine Sports Park over the weekend as the Frank Broughton and Centenary Cups took place.
Beauchamp himself took part in the U/12s competition, the Centenary Cup, 19 years ago for Southern Districts. They were coached by Ian Marriott and in actual fact, won the 1993 edition of the tournament.
“I-ve got really fond memories,” Beauchamp said.
“I remember the boys I played with, we continued playing together for a few years afterwards and it was fantastic to win the tournament,” he said.
Being at Valentine Sports Park over the weekend, Beauchamp couldn-t help but be impressed by the turnout and the atmosphere as the 32 teams competed in the two tournaments.
“ It was really great to see the different districts,” he said.
“Obviously the rules have changed a little bit, since I played back in the day!
“It-s great to see these teams compete though and to see the supporters coming from as far away as the South Coast.
“It shows a wonderful enthusiasm for the game,” Beauchamp concluded.
The elegant centre half has had a colourful career, having played for Marconi Stallions and Sydney Olympic in the NSW Premier League, punctuated by a spell at Parramatta Power in the NSL. After playing the inaugural season of the A-League at Central Coast Mariners, he then had stints at FC Nuremberg in Germany and Aalborg in Denmark, before returning home to play for Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC.
This season, Beauchamp is in the inaugural squad of Western Sydney Wanderers, under the tutelage of Tony Popovic, himself one of the great defenders in Australian football history.
Beauchamp says that he and the squad are in excellent shape leading into the first round of the A-League season.
“We-re looking really good,” he said.
“We-re still a few weeks out from the start of the season, but we-re getting better and better.
“The boys and ‘Poppa- are really starting to gel and with each game the combinations are improving.
“I-m really looking forward to the start of the season.
“Western Sydney Wanderers are not here to make up the numbers.
“We will be competitive,” Beauchamp said.
