Welcome to part 1 of episode 26 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. This episode due to its length will be split into two parts. My sincere thanks goes out to you the listener who continues to support this initiative. And to the people who keep spreading the word about the podcast and social media platforms I say thank you. It is an honour to interview people who have had an impact in many different ways on soccer/football in the Illawarra.

This episode’s interviewee has a deep passion for the game, one he gained early on in life. He has been coached by a number of people who are known in the Illawarra and known throughout N.S.W. and Australia. Antony Welbourn had a great appetite for soccer, which drove him throughout his career especially the technical side of the game. He was first coached by his father, which started a journey that would take him to the Australian Institute of Sport’s soccer program under Jimmy Shoulder and Ron Smith in the early 1980s. From here Antony played with various clubs at different levels across the local leagues, state leagues and NSL. His career stopped at a very young age but in a short space of time Antony had packed in a great deal.

His career had more ups than downs and Antony was fabulous to interview as he was honest about his reflections on his career. His positivity is infectious and he still loves the game and the career he has had. Thanks to Antony and his partner for allowing me into their home, I sincerely respect their time. Please enjoy the first part to episode 26 as Antony recalls his early years all the way up to his first year at the Australian Institute of Sport’s soccer program.