Episode #10 - George Barbouttis, Earlwood Wanderers FC, Pan Hellenic and Sydney Croatia

CDSFA Community Football Podcast

English - October 01, 2019 15:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB
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Previous Episode: Episode #9 - Jerry Bitas, Senior Referee and Branch Coach, Canterbury Referees Association

Next Episode: Episode #11 - Vince Laws, Canterbury Junior Football Club

Welcome to Episode 10 of the CDSFA Community Football Podcast.

In this episode we speak with George Barbouttis. Born in 1950 of Greek heritage, George’s family settled in Newcastle where his father had established various family businesses. In 1955 when George was only 5, his father was tragically killed in a car accident at just 38. This turned the family into complete chaos. They moved to be closer with relatives in Sydney, eventually moving to Earlwood.

This is where George’s talent and passion for football grew. Playing for Earlwood Wanderers Football Club, Pan Hellenic and Sydney Croatia; and attracting interest from major European clubs such as PAOK and Panathinaikos. He was coached by greats such as Rex Foster, Joe Vlatsis and Rale Rasic.

George was on the verge of being selected for the 1974 Socceroos squad for the World Cup in West Germany. However, serious injury, sickness and sheer bad luck led to George being omitted from the 1974 World Cup. George was guttered. So much so, he decided to prematurely hang up his boots and not play again.

George’s story is about courage, determination, tenacity and pure love for football and the importance of youth in our game.