Nobody embodies the strong sense of pride tied to playing for your local community more so than defender Tarek Elrich.
Nobody embodies the strong sense of pride tied to playing for your local community more so than defender Tarek Elrich.
At the age of four, a young Elrich laced his boots for the first time at Parramatta Eagles – the football club where his older brother Ahmad played.
“I did exactly what the coach asked of me,” he said.
“He told me to stand on the field and not to move.
“So I stood there and I didn-t move.
“My parents and brothers were screaming at me to kick the ball which was only a metre away but I replied that my coach simply did not want me to move.”
Once Elrich began to learn more skills and football fundamentals – the achievements started to register.
“I remember winning Grand Finals and Champions of Champions,” said Elrich.
“Playing on the weekends with my cousins made it extra special.
“I also played with Mark Bridge and to play together now again is a story I always share.”
As a young boy, Elrich prospered in a fun and carefree football environment.
This upbringing inspired him to play football professionally and join the Western Sydney Wanderers after an industrious career at the Newcastle Jets – this weekend-s opponents.
“I am proud to be a Wanderer now.”
The Wanderers next play Newcastle Jets at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night at 7.45pm.
