The Manchester United Legends have never visited Perth, so fans were in for a treat when they took on the Aussie Legends team at NIB Stadium on Saturday, 25 March for a charity match. We had a chat to Aussie player Archie Thompson to get the inside info.
Last Saturday's soccer match was unlike anything we have seen before. Apart from its all star line up, its main purpose was to raise awareness and funds for DT38 Foundation, founded by Tracy Tombides following the death of her son Dylan, a Perth-born and raised international footballer and former West Ham United player. Dylan passed away from testicular cancer at the age of 20.
"We must keep men aware that testicular cancer can strike anyone," Melbourne Victory player Archie Thompson said during our chat.
"There's no good that comes out of a death but it obviously makes men aware that they should get checked."
The Aussie Legends, which featured players Jason Petkovic (former Perth Glory goalkeeper), Dean Heffernan (Bankstown City, NSW defender) and Jamie Harnwell (current Adelaide United coach), defeated the Manchester United Legends 3-0, despite the English team boasting an impressive collective goal haul of 500 from combined team members.
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Aussie Legends player Archie Thompson
Tracey's story is also close to Archie's heart, as his sister lost her husband, a huge Man U fan.
"She said to me, Arch, there's no way I'd miss an opportunity to see my husband's team. So there's a few little special things that are involved in the game."
Many Perth supporters would never have had the opportunity to see the great team play, so their visit to our state was even more special for the fans, all the while raising money for a wonderful cause.
"As long as people realise it's more about the foundation and getting there and supporting that, and raising money."
The game was a marvel for fans and players alike, with Aussie legends getting the chance to play against some of their idols.
"Just to play against some of the legends, Teddy Sheringham, Dwight Yorke, these guys I've grown up admiring and to get the opportunity just to meet them, hopefully share some of their stories, I'm really looking forward to it."
As a team, Manchester United, first formed in 1878, have won 20 league championships titles from 1908 to 2013, and are the only British team to have won the FIFA Club World Cup, which they won in 2008.
Manchester United player Paul Scholes
Football is a game that brings people together, that players and fans can be involved with for a long time.
"You never lose that passion even when you go out of the game, so most of the footballers like to be involved in football at any level or any part of the game, whether it be playing or coaching," Archie said.
"I'm enjoying giving back to football in the country where I grew up, about three hours drive out of Melbourne.
"It's fantastic just to be able to go back to the grassroots level and just appreciate the game."
To donate to DT38 Foundation or find out more information, visit their website dt38.co.uk or click here.