FROM his early days running around for the Wahroonga Tigers to taking up a new role at the helm of Tenterfield’s junior soccer Mark Thomas has seen his love for the world game grow.
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Mark had his hands in a few different pots growing up, trying his luck in soccer and AFL, but it was soccer that has kept his affection right through the years.
“Dad was a rugby union man but friends were involved in soccer and I had two brothers playing,” he said.
Growing up in the leafy suburbs in northern Sydney Mark remembers his junior days at Wahroonga where he started playing in the under 7’s.
“I was always a defender… I don’t know how I ended up in the midfield.”
Right throughout his schooling years Mark juggled soccer and Aussie Rules commitments.
“My poor parents were driving me all over when I was playing both and something had to give,” he said.
Opting to continue his AFL, he dropped soccer.
He maintained his love for the game and would head along and watch the Northern Spirit turn out in the old NSL competition.
When he moved overseas his love grew even deeper.
Time in England and Ireland as a landscape gardener drew him into the world of the English Premier League.
“I looked into playing while living there but it never happened.
“Being over there they just live and breathe it,” he said.
After meeting and marrying partner Marie the pair moved back to Brisbane after six years in the U.K.
It was upon his return that he returned to playing – but a different format.
“I was playing futsal in Chandler there in Brisbane.”
Soon after they made the move to Tenterfield and it was his son Adam who encouraged his involvement.
Mark started playing over 35’s soccer and began assisting the junior club.
“I have to probably blame Ron Bridge – he was saying there was a lack of involvement with the committee and I got sucked in.”
A few years on and Mark his helping run the show as the president of Tenterfield Junior Soccer.
The club are experiencing a transition phase with the Tenterfield Thunder taking on a junior colts division.
Numbers remain steady though with 120 kids registered and Mark has welcomed the greater involvement of girls in the game.
“I’m not sure how it came to be but we have a lot more girls playing the game now. The last few years I think it has been seen as a good alternative to something like netball.
Mark is hopeful that local participation will continue to expand and believes the growing stature of the A-League and the Socceroos is helping reach that destiny.
“If they see the role models at a domestic level I think it should help strengthen it.”
Now turning out for the Thunder’s senior men’s side Mark has seen his competitive side tested.
“If we got a few wins on the board it would make it more enjoyable.
“I’m probably at a stage now where I enjoy seeing the kids develop more. Being a teacher as well it’s good to see them deliver on their potential.
“It’s what juniors is all about – nurturing younger talent,” he said.
For now he’ll keep plugging away, supporting his side Blackburn Rovers and is hopeful of seeing the local game reach new heights.