Olderoos Come Play! in World Masters
Some of Australia's most respected wearers of the green and gold have combined for this week's World Masters Games to form the 'Olderoos' and to show their support for Australia's bid for the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.
A 20 man 'Olderoos' squad was unveiled in Sydney today as they were presented with their limited edition 'Come Play!' playing strip.
The 'Olderoos' team includes some of Australia's highest capped Qantas Socceroos, including three former captains in Charlie Yankos, Paul Wade and Alex Tobin.
With an impressive playing history, the 'Olderoos' have cumulatively made more than 400 'A' international appearances for Australia and are looking forward to returning to the field.
"We are delighted many of our former Qantas Socceroos are reuniting to compete in the World Masters Games," said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
"Like the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, the World Masters Games is yet another example of Australia's ability to host a major international event," he added.
More than 30,000 competitors are expected to take part in the World Masters Games with Football being the biggest participation sport. It is an Octoberfest of football with current Qantas Socceroos set to play an international friendly match against the Netherlands on Saturday, followed by an AFC Asian Cup qualifier next Wednesday in Melbourne - while a 20 man 'Olderoos' squad will
The 'Olderoos' will wear limited edition Come Play! strip, to show their support for Australia's bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. They were presented with their shirts by members of the current Qantas Socceroos squad and young footballers from around Sydney.
There is also a Come Play! exhibition at the Health and Lifestyle Expo at the Sydney Showground in the Dome until Sunday 11 October.
For more information about Australia's bid to host the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup, visit australia2018-2022.com.au.
OLDEROOS SQUAD: [Player, A games (goals), All games (goals), Years]Francis Awaritefe - 3 (1), 3 (1), 1993-1996 Bob Catlin - -, 2 (0), 1990-1993 George Christopoulos - 10 (1), 13 (1), 1978-1983 Oscar Crino - 39 (6), 70 (12), 1981-1989 Alan Hunter - 7 (0), 9 (1), 1986-1988 Graham Jennings - 44 (0), 78 (0), 1983-1989 Peter Katholos - 14 (2), 22 (3), 1981-1984 Grant Lee 2 (0), 5 (0), 1981-1985 Danny Moulis - 1 (1), 4 (3), 1980 Zlatko Nastevski - -, 1 (0), 1990 Jeff Olver - 37 (0), 51 (0), 1984-1989 Scott Patterson - -, -, - Gavin Robertson - -, -, - Wally Savor - 23 (0), 38 (0), 1984-1989 Theo Selemidis - 7 (1), 17 (1), 1980-1984 Kimon Taliadoros - 4 (0), 9 (2), 1990-1993 Alex Tobin - 87 (2), 113 (3), 1988-1999 Paul Wade - 84 (10), 115 (11), 1985-1996 Robert Wheatley - 5 (0), 9 (0), 1981-1990 Charlie Yankos (c) - 49 (7), 86 (11), 1983-1990