Craig Foster will be the 2017 NIAS Annual Academy Awards Night guest speaker on August 5 at West Tamworth League Club.
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NIAS CEO James Cooper said the organisation was excited to have someone of Foster’s calibre as part of a special night for the region’s young aspiring athletes.
The former Socceroos captain and SBS television’s chief football analyst is one of Australia's most respected football personalities, broadcasters and commentators.
Foster is well known for his outspoken stance on the need for football to mature. Controversial, outspoken and passionate, he is regarded as vitally important to the growth and development of the sport in Australia.
During his playing career, Foster was a former national soccer captain and played for Australia on 29 occasions. He began his football career with National Soccer League clubs Adelaide City and Marconi Fairfield and also briefly played for English side, Portsmouth.
He was renowned for his leadership as club captain at Crystal Palace FC in the UK and skipper of the National Soccer League side, Northern Spirit FC.
Off the pitch, Foster has been a strong advocate for players’ rights. He is a life member and former chief executive of Professional Footballer's Australia (PFA), the representative body of professional players. Before becoming chief executive, he was a director of the PFA's commercial wing, PFAM (PFA Management).
The academy awards night is a celebration of the sporting achievements both on and off the field for our region’s athletes, coaches and volunteers.