This year sees the Earlwood Wanderers FC ‘Little Wanderers’ (LW) program hit 10 years of early development of younger boys and girls.
The LW program was introduced in 2014, as a result of the Earlwood Wanderers FC Committee looking to foster a love of football for players aged between 2-5 in a fun and age-appropriate environment.
The weekly Saturday program, which is supported by certified and supportive coaches, focuses on building fundamental skills, instilling a passion for teamwork, and sparking a lifelong love for football.
The LW’s weekly shot of football inspiration for the game’s football next generation has been embraced by the Earlwood community, as well as young footballers from around the Sydney metro.
To mark the ten-year anniversary, the Club has players from the inaugural intake, the ‘Little Wanderers Class of 2014’ who continue to play for Earlwood Wanderers FC.
When asked if they thought the LW program was a good way to introduce someone to the game of football, they all agreed that it was this program that taught them the basics of football without any pressure which may have occurred if you played in a team first. They went on to say that not only did they learn how to dribble, pass and shoot, but also made a lot of new friends, some of whom they still play with today.
The Club interviewed junior players, asking what their most memorable time and/or highlight at Earlwood Wanderers FC has been over the last ten years since Little Wanderers:
Ethan: “During my 10 years at Earlwood Wanderers, a memorable highlight for me would be the 2023 season where my team had an undefeated season, won the Premiership and then went on to experience Champion of Champions.”
Mary: “My most memorable experience at EWFC was winning the Grand Final in 2022 and winning the Best Team of the Club Trophy, which was named after my late uncle.”
Andreas: “Although I no longer play for the Club, I am still involved as a Game Leader which is a junior referee for U.8’s through to U.12’s. My most memorable experience was playing with my team mates who I am still friends with, and attending Gala Days and playing soccer matches all day.”
Elliot: “Our winter 2023 season has been my most memorable to date. Even though we’ve been progressing as a team over the last few years, we won the Minor Premiership in 2023 beating Hurlstone Pak on their home ground in the last game to become Minor Premiers. One point separated the top four teams last season. Winning the Premiership gave us the opportunity to play in the Champion of Champions tournament. That was a great experience and we made it through to the third round but unfortunately lost to one of the eventual finalists.”
Jake: “In 2018 I was selected to play for EWFC 1st Division and I have continued to play in 1st Division since then. In 2017 I was awarded MVP by my coach, which was an honour at the time. In 2021 I was also a referee with EWFC. I have been very fortunate to have had great coaches and team mates who have supported me over the years. I love playing for Earlwood Wanderers – it’s a great Club that has a lot to offer the younger players’ sporting opportunities.”
The Earlwood Wanderers FC Committee are “extremely proud of its history and especially of these fine, young, talented players who have made Earlwood Wanderers their ‘home away from home’ on weekends” in Sydney’s Inner West / South West.
The Club’s President, Tamara Mulroney stated, “It is testament to the dedication of the Club, its coaches, managers and volunteers, that players, once starting as a small child in the Little Wanderers program, continue to play sometimes up until senior levels and feel comfortable while doing so. Many of our players now register their own children in the Little Wanderers program and continue to follow their journey with Earlwood Wanderers FC”
The club has many stories from the 2023 Season. They are inviting the EWFC community to tell their 2023 Winter Season stories, milestones and highlights – email ask@ewfc.com.au or www.ewfc.com.au.
 program hit 10 years of early development of younger boys and girls.){kind=link}