36 teams and over 130 players were on hand at the Newcastle Jets Golf Day on 25th March 2011 to raise over $10,000 for the Men of Football cause.
On a spectacular autumn day the football community gathered to enjoy a round of golf and then shared a post event meal that saw the launch of Reg Date’s biography ‘Reg Date: The Bradman of Football’ which paid tribute to the life of the Hunter football legend widely regarded as Australia’s most prolific striker. Journalist and author Peter Allen has Date recorded at scoring 664 goals over 17 seasons with an astonishing average of just under 40 goals per season.
While the robust centre forward’s on-field record speaks for itself, perhaps it is his presence off the park that is less well known.
Date was described by former team mate and Australian international goalkeeper Bill Henderson as a larger than life character that “looked out for his mates and never expected anything in return”.
Among the many anecdotes and rounds of applause it was clear just how revered ‘Datey’ really was, not only for unparalleled achievements on the park but for the mateship and humility off it, too.
He is, in many ways, a shining example of the Men of Football mission.
The event was hosted by former Socceroo and Newcastle Jets’ Football Advisory Board member Ray Baartz. He was joined by a host of other football luminaries, including Ray Lloyd, Ron Lord, Doug Wendt, Bill Mahoney, Keith Harris and David Lowe, as well as current Jets’ players Michael Bridges, Jobe Wheelhouse and Taylor Regan.
Jeff and Jamie Warren, relatives of the late Johnny Warren and founders of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation, made the trip up from Jamberoo to support what Jamie described as a “fantastic initiative” by the Jets and Men of Football.
The day was a magnificent success, the beaming smiles and constant buzz of chatter confirming the spirit and passion is strong amongst the Hunter football fraternity.
The Newcastle Jets have clearly put their front foot forward to support Men of Football to ensure that we, in the football community, will never walk alone.
