Central Coast Mariners midfielder, Ahmad Elrich, will return to his old playground on Tuesday, 19 May 2009 at 10:30am to share his life lessons and rise to the top of Australian football with the students of Granville South High School.

See photos here: http://parramatta-advertiser.whereilive.com.au/photos/gallery/ahmad-elrich-returns-to-south-granville-high-school/

Elrich joins Football United at its JP Morgan sponsored Granville South High School project, the first of its kind in the area. Elrich has represented Australia, played in the English Premier League for Fulham and was part of the Central Coast Mariners recent Asian Champions League campaign.


An initiative of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales, Football United harnesses a love of football (soccer) to contribute to community development, promote racial harmony and social inclusion. The program operates in partnerships with Councils, Migrant Resource Centres, football clubs and associations.


JP Morgan has funded the Granville project to assist with student empowerment, resilience, leadership and enjoyment through football, seeing this project as an extremely worthy cause.


Elrich is excited to revisit his old high school saying, “It’ll be good to go back and see the old playground where I used to kick the ball around with my mates. Anything I can do to help the local community is always a privilege and something I enjoy very much.  Just seeing the kids smiling and dreaming of doing something positive with their lives is a great thought.”


Football United founder, Anne Bunde-Birouste, is delighted with Elrich’s participation in the project.  “Having an outstanding young athlete such as Ahmad helping us with this project is heartwarming, he will no doubt be a hit with the kids and drive the program forward,” said Anne.


The Year 7 students will enjoy in a Gala Day on the school football field where Elrich will teach them a few special tricks. A group of Year 10 students who recently completed their Grassroots Football Certificate will then coach the students in a mini-World Cup style small-sided football tournament. The day will be filled with fun and football for all.