NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers’ captain courageous Michael Beauchamp is living the dream not only as a professional footballer but as a loving father
NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers- captain courageous Michael Beauchamp is living the dream not only as a professional footballer but as a loving father.
The sport of football has taken the 32-year-old to many places including the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany as well as a handful of former National Soccer League and Hyundai A-League sides throwing in Germany, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates into the mix.
It was 2012 where Beauchamp grabbed the headlines as in their inaugural season, the Western Sydney Wanderers took the Hyundai A-League by storm by not only clinching the Premiership but the club grabbed the attention of everyone involved in the sport in what was a memorable year for the tough defender.
Away from the football pitches however, Beauchamp has another passion.
His two year old son Aiden.
The father of one with a second on the way in mid-November this year with his partner Carla, Beauchamp is relishing the father role.
“It-s unbelievable, Beauchamp said.
“You hear so many stories about how kids have changed people-s lives and this is so true.
“The day your child is born you look and think, wow, this is amazing.
“Priceless moments like coming home and seeing Aiden run to me at the door calling me Daddy really means everything to me and that-s something money can-t buy.”
Beauchamp loves spending every second moment with his energetic young one but like many professional footballers juggles family time with the round ball game.
“It-s tough I hate leaving my family and it-s even tougher on the partner.
“They stay at home and look after the kids so a lot of credit goes to them for sure.
“Now that he-s getting older, every time I go away I come back and he is changing and I always want to be there.
“We are off to Japan and China next week for pre-season training and matches so that will be tough as you always want to be there for them but these are the sacrifices you make with the career you-ve chosen – one thing-s for sure, I can-t wait to see him when I return.”
Asked what an ideal day would entail for Michael and his young family the choice was going for walks and venturing off to their local coffee shop.
“We live in a great area which is full of parks so going for walks is always on the list and playing at the park.
“We make the trip to our local coffee shop also where he knows everybody behind the counter and orders his babycino so you could say he is already cultured.”
Like father like son they always say as the question was asked whether he wanted to see Aiden follow in his footsteps as a footballer.
“I-d be lying if I said I didn-t want this to happen but of course I would love to see him play the sport I love.
“By no means will I want to be that fanatical father pushing him to do something he may not want to do.
“As soon as he was born I went down to the shop in the hospital and bought him a soft football which sat next to him.
“I did say to my wife that if he does want to become a footballer to make sure he plays as either a midfielder or striker and not a defender.”
Beauchamp had an extra member in his cheer squad in 2012 as Aiden was part of the Wanderland experience at Parramatta Stadium where he loved every minute of watching his father lead the Wanderers to glory.
“He loved it.
“He had his little jersey and always enjoyed watching the game.
“I loved him being there and memories such as taking him with me to the pitch after matches especially after winning the Premiership will live long in our family-s memory.
“Even though we didn-t want the Grand Final, having Aiden there watch me and come onto the field in what was a huge spectacle was something special.”
With Father-s Day just around the corner Football NSW wants to celebrate the big occasion by searching for the state-s most football fanatic fathers.
Whether it-s attending every game, his vast collection of replica jerseys or even just supporting his team at any opportunity he gets Football NSW would love to hear about it.
On offer is an ultimate football experience with the winner scoring an outdoor seater box for themselves and seven guests at a Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners or Western Sydney Wanderers match as well as the chance to attend an A – League training session.
To go into the running to win this fantastic prize tell us in 25 words or less why your dad is Football NSW-s #1 Football Fanatic Father
The competition closes on Thursday 29th August 2013 at 5pm with entrants filling in their application form on the Football NSW website – click here
The winners will be announced on Friday 30th August 2013 on the Football NSW website and Football NSW Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/footballnsw).
