Welcome to episode 72 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. 

Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages.

Peter Thompson is our interviewee in episode 72. Born in 1961, Peter’s first memories of football are at Elizabeth Park Bellambi, where he and his mates came together to kick a ball around and sometimes be ballboys for the senior team. Along with playing for Bellambi Junior Soccer Club, Peter played a few years in Illawarra Representative teams, an experience he enjoyed. And on this note I must apologise as I did not ask Peter about this topic in the interview, so at the 20 minute mark I have added in a further mobile interview with Peter on his junior representative career.

After having a period of time away from the game after junior football, Peter joined the senior ranks in 1979 with Fernhill Soccer Club and stayed with this club for his whole career. Peter is a humble man who played for his club and fellow team mates. It is clear he has a genuine passion for the game and his club Fernhill.

Widely regarded and respected at his club and around the Illawarra, it was phenomenal to hear Peter thought’s on his time in the game, in particular the people at Fernhill. Peter has experienced the joy of being a one club man and is still involved at the club today. 

I appreciated the opportunity to record and listen to Peter’s football experiences. I have sincere appreciation and thanks for the time Peter allowed me to be in his home recording and the archival items he allowed me to scan. Please enjoy episode 72!