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Football pedigree continues at Sydney Olympic FC

SOFC1957 new author
Roar Rookie
17th February, 2012
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SOFC1957 new author
Roar Rookie
17th February, 2012
3
1550 Reads

Their father Angelo and older brother Dimitri are among the list of former Sydney Olympic FC players, thus it comes as no surprise that the younger members of the Petratos clan would follow suit and emulate their careers.

In 2012 Dimitri’s younger brothers Stavros (15), Kosta (13) and Makis (11) will line up for their respective Sydney Olympic FC Youth sides and are eager to showcase their own talents and skills, with the hope to follow in the footsteps of both their older brother and father.

Stavros, 15, is a midfielder who possesses great athleticism and versatility. His speed and stamina enables him to dominate and trouble the opposition. With technical awareness and a strong defensive game, Stavros is a wonderful asset to both his team’s attacking and defensive lines. He hopes to showcase his versatility and catalogue of skills in the upcoming 2012 season.

Thirteen-year-old Kosta is no stranger to playing up a grade and has played up an age group since the age of 11. In 2012, the talented attacking midfielder will do the same and although he will turn fourteen, Kosta will play along side several talented fifteen year olds in the Sydney Olympic FC U/15’s team. Kosta is set to both intrigue and entertain the Olympic faithful and will undoubtedly demonstrate why he is ‘one to watch’.

Yerasimakis (Makis) Petratos is a tenacious eleven- year-old who like his older brother Dimitri uses his diminutive nature to his advantage and puts his technical skills and abilities to the test as he takes on his opposition.

In the 2012 season, Makis will line up with the Sydney Olympic FC U/13’s side and like his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, Makis hopes to entertain and score several goals throughout the competition.

Their father Angelo, a well-respected footballer who had an illustrious football career in both the Greek Super League and National State League, introduced the Petratos’ to the ‘world game’ at an early age and has become his children’s greatest mentor and influence.

At an age where most footballers would consider retirement and weigh-up the option of hanging up their boots, Angelo stood alone and continued his football career in the NSW Premier League. He significantly held the title of the oldest player in the NSW Premier League.

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Angelo believes that age is no barrier and is by no means ready to relinquish the game he loves. ” If I wasn’t fit enough I wouldn’t even think about playing, but if I am fit enough, my age should not be a barrier”, Angelo said.

Most remarkably, Angelo and his eldest son Dimitri played along side one another in the NSW Premier League at both Penrith Nepean and Sydney Olympic FC, memories that both father and son will treasure forever.

“It was a dream of ours to play together and it was a great experience. He was always teaching me and giving me advice on how to improve my game”, Dimitri said.

“I hope that we can play alongside one another again” he added.

In 2010, the father and son partnership was put on hiatus as Dimitri was scouted by A-League club Sydney FC and concentrated on his own respective career endeavors. Dimitri soon left his mark with the ‘Sky Blues’ and signed a 2-year contract with the club after issuing impressive consecutive performances.

Since then the 19-year-old has represented the Young Soccerooos at the U20s World Cup and most recently the Olyroos in the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics.

“It has been a great journey and learning experience, I have worked really hard to get to where I am and I will continue to work hard.” Dimitri said. “It is important to stay focused and to maintain confidence”, he added.

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Despite being considered one of the brightest up and coming talents in Australian Football and a crowd favourite amongst the Sydney folk, Dimitri remains level headed and attributes much of his success to his family. His father remains as a significant mentor to not only himself but his younger siblings.

“My Dad has always been my greatest influence. He has been teaching not only myself but also my brothers from a young age. He tells us to be humble and to stay focused and always work hard”, Dimitri said.

Dimitri will also lend his support to his younger cousin and namesake Dimitri Petratos who will play along side his brother Makis in the Sydney Olympic FC U/13’s team in the upcoming season.

“I am looking forward to seeing my brothers and cousin Dimitri play for Sydney Olympic this season. They are all excited to play for Sydney Olympic and it definitely means a lot to them, to play at the club where both my father and I played”, Dimitri said.

The Sydney FC forward will be a regular at Belmore Sports Ground in the 2012 season and is on hand to offer advice and guidance to all aspiring footballers, including his own immediate family members.

“The best advice I could give to all players would be to always work hard and to train the way you would play during the game”, Dimitri said. “You must always stay focused and be prepared to work hard to achieve your goals, whatever they may be. It is also important to never lose faith in your abilities and to remain confident”, Dimitri added.

With faith, belief and confidence in their minds and the love of football in their hearts, the Petratos’ aim to take the ‘world game’ by storm and strive to leave their mark on Australian Football.

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