Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has joined forces with the Dylan Tombides Foundation (DT38) for the PFA Aussie Legends versus Manchester United Legends match in Perth on March 25.
Aiming to raise funds for DT38, the match will see the United Legends field superstars Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes, Denis Irwin and Bryan Robson with the PFA Aussie Legends to feature a host of former Socceroos stars and coached by former National Team boss and PFA Tobin Medallist Frank Farina.
Having previously partnered with the PFA for the PFA A-League Team of the Decade event in 2015, DT38 was established to raise awareness for testicular cancer through education and opportunities, following the tragic passing of Young Socceroo, Dylan, in 2014.
PFA Player Relations Executive and former Socceroo, Simon Colosimo, said the opportunity to take to the pitch with a host of Australian greats and icons of the English Premier League was one the players were relishing.
“The chance to share the pitch with the likes of Paul Scholes and Dwight Yorke is a privilege and one I’m sure the PFA Aussie Legends will enjoy,” said Colosimo. “In addition, to be able to play our part in raising money for DT38, an organisation that is close to the heart of all Australian footballers, is something that will make the match extra special.
“The knowledge and experiences of our former players is immense and it’s a goal of the PFA to provide meaningful opportunities for them to stay connected to the game, which they contributed so much to.”
Melbourne Victory legend and Socceroos forward Archie Thompson said he jumped at the PFA’s invitation to take part in the match and play his part in furthering the work undertaken by DT38.
“Lacing up the boots with this bunch of players, guys I have played with and against many times, was something I was never going to say no to,” said Thompson. “The chance to do it against the likes of Scholes and Robson, some true legends of the game, and for the great cause of raising money for DT38, just makes it even better.”
Traceylee Tombides said the foundation was thrilled to once again be partnering with the players’ association.
“We are honoured to team up with the PFA,” Mrs Tombides said. “The PFA supports the work that DT38 are doing in the local communities across the country and around the world to raise awareness about men’s health with a focus on testicular cancer.”
The PFA Aussie Legends
- Bobby Despotovski;
- Archie Thompson;
- Jacob Burns;
- Dean Heffernan;
- Nick Carle;
- Patrick Zwaanswijk;
- Robbie Gaspar;
- Matt Thompson;
- Jason Petkovic;
- Ljubo Milicevic;
- Con Boutsianis;
- Jon McKain;
- Michael Bridges;
- Jamie Harnwell;
- Steve McGarry;
- Danny Milosevic;
- Simon Colosimo;
- Frank Farina (Head Coach); and
- Clint Bolton (Assistant Coach).