The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC today confirmed the appointment of Michael Beauchamp as the inaugural Club Captain.
The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC today confirmed the appointment of Michael Beauchamp as the inaugural Club Captain.
The Wetherill Park Westerners and Southern Districts Marconi junior is a proud Western Sydney boy who is delighted to be leading the Wanderers in their foundation year.
The FIFA World Cup representative has made 73 Hyundai A-League appearances as well as 23 appearances for the Qantas Socceroos. As well as his career in Australia, Beauchamp has had stints in Germany, Denmark and the UAE over his 12 year career as a professional player.
“It-s a huge honour to be handed the armband to wear at any club but it is certainly that little bit more special to receive it for a club in its foundation year that represents everything about my boyhood days and dreams,” Beauchamp said. “I don-t expect to change too much about the way I approach my preparation and play as I-d like to think that I put in 110% into everything I do.
“I-m definitely a leader by my actions and I-m someone who will motivate on the pitch in the heat of the battle.
“I am a local boy and it goes to show that no matter what background you come from, the sacrifices you make as a youngster do pay off.
“I-m proud to have grown up in this community and to now represent it is something that I take great pride in.”
“I can-t wait for our opening match against my first ever Hyundai A-League club Central Coast Mariners at Parramatta Stadium on October 6 and then the ultimate match at Parramatta Stadium on October 20 in the historical first ever Wanderers v Sydney FC Hyundai A-League Derby. With Sydney FC being my former club I have no doubt there will be plenty of feeling in this match.”
Beauchamp, has joined the Wanderers for their foundation season and after a challenging pre-season, Coach Tony Popovic has elected the 31-year-old to lead the squad.
“Michael is a leader, he is an experienced player who has played in many parts of the world and will lead our young squad with plenty of passion,” Popovic said. “Playing at the back of the field, Michael will control things from there and is a great organiser on the field.”
The Wanderers have two further pre-season matches against Wellington Phoenix (Christchurch) and Bankstown City Lions (Bankstown) before their first appearance in the Hyundai A-League against the Central Coast Mariners at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday, 6 October.
Wanderers FC Memberships are now available, for more information please visit wswanderersfc.com.au.
MICHAEL BEAUCHAMP
Born: 08-Mar-81, Sydney
Height: 191cm / Weight: 86kg
Main position: Defender
Junior club: Wetherill Park Westerners and Southern Districts Marconi
Senior career: 2000-2002 Marconi (Australia), 2002-2004 Parramatta Power (Australia), 2004-2005 Sydney Olympic (NSW), 2005-2006 Central Coast Mariners (Australia), 2006-2008 Nurnberg (Germany), 2008-2009 Aalborg (Denmark), 2009-2010 Al Jazira (UAE), 2010-2011 Melbourne Heart (Australia), 2011-2012 Sydney FC (Australia)
Hyundai A-League statistics: Central Coast Mariners 22 apps, Melbourne Heart 23 apps, Sydney FC 28 apps (1 gl)
Other national league statistics: Marconi 25 apps, Parramatta Power 57 apps, Nurnberg 30 apps (1 gl), Aalborg 12 apps (1 gl), Al Jazira 13 apps
Representative honours: Australian senior team 2006-2010 (23 appearances, 1 goal), Under-23
