Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold has oval renamed in his honour

An initiative jointly supported by Sutherland Shire Council and Gwawley Bay Football Club has seen a local oval in Sylvania – the home suburb of Graham Arnold, Subway Socceroos Head Coach - renamed in his honour.

The renaming of Canberra Road Oval – which stands as a permanent tribute to the career and achievements of the Australian Football Hall of Famer –followed a ceremony including family, friends and local dignitaries on 8th July.

The newly minted Graham Arnold Oval is where ‘Arnie’ began his footballing journey as a four-year-old at Gwawley Bay Football Club.

It’s a location with strong significance to the Arnold family who have deep ties with Gwawley Bay Football Club, with Arnold’s father, Barry and his mother, Fay, along with his brother, Colin, all serving as dedicated volunteers at the club over the years.

Football Australia Chief Executive, James Johnson said it was a befitting accolade for one of Australian football’s most dedicated contributors and noted “we often speak about the impact of Arnie’s contribution to the landscape of football in Australia both as a player and coach, to have that acknowledged in such a way by his local club is amazing to see.

“To now have a Graham Arnold Oval in Greater Sydney will connect generations of young people with the current Head Coach of the Subway Socceroos and a great of Australian football, someone who they may have only seen on television or from the stands.

“I think a moment like this is representative of the amazing opportunities football can offer and shows young people around the country what’s possible if you dare to dream. Once upon a time Arnie was in their shoes, enjoying football with family and friends before it took him on an incredible journey around the world.

“I think most people will recognise the role a junior club plays in your life and no doubt this will be a special day for Arnie. I’d like to extend a huge congratulations from everyone at Football Australia on this achievement.”

Arnold said the occasion was a special moment for his entire family and shared “Firstly, I’d like to thank Sutherland Shire Council and Gwawley Bay Football Club for their involvement in this project and say what an honour it is for not just myself, but my entire family.

“This is a special place for the Arnolds – I’ve always said that Gwawley Bay Football Club was our second family – Mum and Dad were heavily involved with the club and many of the earliest memories of my childhood were here at this oval.

“This is where I grew up and developed my love for football, a place where I made lifelong friendships that have been so pivotal in both my playing and coaching career.

“To see a place so significant to my family now named after me is a little bit surreal. I know my parents – who both loved being part of this club – would be so proud.

“I’m very grateful to everyone involved in renaming this oval and look forward to young people from across the Sutherland Shire enjoying football here for many years to come.”

Image. Graham Arnold. Credit: Aleksandar Jason/ Socceroos