Theo Walcott and Premier League trophy thrill Docklands youngsters

Docklands Athletic FC enjoyed one of its biggest moments yet in March, hosting Arsenal legend Theo Walcott and the Premier League trophy after winning a national competition run by broadcaster Stan.

The special event at the club’s Docklands home on March 17 brought a burst of Premier League glamour to the waterfront, with young players getting the chance to meet Mr Walcott, see the trophy up close and take part in mini-games on their home ground. For Docklands, it was a rare and memorable spectacle, and one sure to leave a lasting impression on the club’s next generation.

Docklands Athletic vice-president Rafael Jabuonski said the night had exceeded expectations.

“It was really good,” he said. “The parents and the members of the club and the community were also very happy. So overall, a very good day for the club.”

The visit came about after one of the club’s junior coaches Steven Cox entered a Stan competition asking clubs to explain in 25 words why they deserved to host the Premier League trophy. This is what Mr Cox wrote:

“We are ‘Premier League’ in terms of our community, enthusiasm, inclusivity, positivity, development, friendship, vibrancy, and love of the game! The world in one club!”

To the club’s surprise, they won.

“They liked our response, and we were very surprised when they told us that actually we won,” Mr Cox said, “because it was completely out of nowhere.”

Mr Jabuonski said Docklands itself had also helped clinch the prize.

“They chose us because, one, our response was good, but two, they looked at the ground and the Docklands and the location and they said, ‘this place looks really cool. I think this would be a good place to come,’” he said. “So actually, being where we are and having the best ground in Melbourne has definitely helped us win.”

The event was deliberately kept low-key, allowing Mr Walcott to move around freely and spend meaningful time with the children.

“We wanted it to be enjoyed by the people that are actually part of the club and the community,” Mr Jabuonski said. “That turned out to be excellent ... it was small enough that he could walk around, he could talk to the kids. There was no hassle, there was no discomfort.”

Mr Walcott watched the club’s junior teams, joined huddles, offered tips and signed memorabilia. According to Mr Jabuonski, the former Arsenal forward would usually have got even more involved but was managing a hip injury. Even so, he stayed for around an hour and made a clear impression.

“Being such a young club with lots of kids and having the opportunity of someone that has succeeded at the highest level is definitely a boost of morale for the season,” Mr Jabuonski said. “It was just a little taste of what does it mean to bring everyone together and have a good time.”

The timing also gave local Arsenal fans a little extra reason to smile. Arsenal currently sits top of the Premier League table, ahead of Manchester City, making Mr Walcott’s appearance alongside the trophy feel like a hopeful omen for Gunners supporters in Docklands.

Above all, though, the visit was a win for the precinct itself. For the kids lucky enough to be there, it was the kind of night that could inspire years of football dreams. •