Glory stars net interest from young talent

Local soccer players were buoyed by a visit from Perth Glory stars Chris Harold and Mitch Oxborrow on Tuesday as part of the WA club’s ongoing commitment to regional areas.

As Glory players returned from their off-season break this week, Harold and Oxborrow made the trip to Albany to help run two clinics for younger players while also speaking to a number of local coaches.

The two Glory regulars ran a clinic with skill-acquisition program players on Tuesday night before later running another clinic with game development program players.

Almost 50 players took part in the two sessions, where they gained valuable skills and knowledge from the professional players.

Harold, who has made 87 appearances for Perth Glory, said these trips were extremely valuable.

“We are used to doing promo stuff in the metro area, so it’s nice to have a change of scenery,” he said.

“It’s not much for us to come down here, but it’s great to see so many playing football in the region and if we can inspire a couple of kids to go on, that would be great.”

Oxborrow has made 21 appearances for Glory and said getting out to see the regional talent was always a highlight.

“It is a good to get away from Perth and see how the game is growing in these areas,” he said.

“This is great for the community and great for the club because fans are the most important people.”

The trip proved extra special for Oxborrow, who was able to catch up with local player Casey Willmore and his family for the first time in more than a decade.

The two families know each other from back in England and they caught up with Willmore on Tuesday night.

This visit is in conjunction with Perth Glory coaches running clinics and visiting several schools including Australian Christian College, Little Grove Primary School and Yakamia Primary School this week.

Perth Glory will be returning to the region on July 11 and 12 to hold holiday clinics.