Welcome to episode 69 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. Rex Leighton is our interviewee in episode 69. For over several decades Rex has been a part of the Illawarra football fabric and continues to be part of our wonderful community. In this episode we examine his Family's connection with the game; his junior and senior football career; his coaching appointments; his refereeing journey and the various footballing administrative roles that he has fulfilled in the region. Extremely humble, Rex has given so much to Illawarra football and listening to his journey was a fantastic experience for me in so many ways. Due to his varied journey we examine different areas of the game in the Illawarra along with hearing about great people, clubs and organisations. It was absolutely terrific listening to Rex recalling his footballing life and for me it was a pleasure recording his memories. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Rex took in recording this episode. Please enjoy episode 69!

Episode 68 Steve Sowry Welcome to episode 68 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, Barcelona, Richardson and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Steve Sowry is our interviewee in episode 68. Born in Seacroft Leeds in the United Kingdom in 1951, Steve enjoyed listening to football on the radio, watching his Father play the game and playing goalkeeper for his primary and high schools. In 1962 his Family emigrated to Australia and it is here where his football journey in Oz began. We explore his time at Balgownie Hostel Junior Soccer Club, going from goalkeeper to striker and playing for the Hostel's senior team. Additionally we examine his time at the German influenced North Wollongong Soccer Club, Figtree SC, Fairy Meadow United SC and finally the remainder of his football career with Figtree SC as a player and as a coach. It was absolutely brilliant listening to Steve recalling his footballing journey, especially when we delve into his thoughts on former team mates, games played, coaches and opponents. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Steve took in recording this episode. Please enjoy episode 68!

Episode 67 Eric Thompson (Part 3) Welcome to episode 67 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 the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Episode 67 will be split into multiple parts and will delve into a wonderful servant of Illawarra football, Eric Thompson. From the late 1960s through to his passing in 2015 Eric Thompson has played alongside, coached, mentored, supported and encouraged hundreds of people in the Illawarra football community. The width and depth of Eric's football career is immense. I have tried to place the interviews I have collected in date order but there are times where people interact with Eric multiple times so it is not always possible. However it is clear that we have only touched the surface with people's memories of Eric but I truly believe what is presented gives an honest reflection of the man and his football personality. And please note this podcast is dynamic and can be added to in the future so please contact me if you want to record your memories of Eric. It was a privilege to organise and record people's memories of Eric. I am truly indebted to the many people who have given up their time, memories and emotions by being part of this podcast. Please note as this episode was recorded over mobile phones there are some slight issues at times with audio quality and for that I apologise. Please enjoy part 3 of episode 67! Episode 67 - Part 3 - Interviewees George Prentoski John Krajnovic Icko Atanasoski Johnny Simonovski Jason Higgs Jeff Allport Pablo Neira John Frew George Antoniou Jason Lima Krste Kojoski Sebastian Dallas Stefan Dimoski