Goodwin’s goal to inspire

Craig Goodwin’s older brother was playing soccer when like most younger siblings, Craig wanted to join in with the bigger kids.

So, at age four, Goodwin’s journey to professional football began.

He remembers the thrill of practicing at Munno Para City Soccer Club and playing games for the junior squad on the weekend.

Soccer was a popular sport in the northern suburbs during Craig’s school years and his parents fostered his love of the game.

“There has always been a good football community here, and still is. I spent plenty of time on the field and my dad was always sporty – we played a lot of soccer in the yard, and it really took off from there,” Craig said.

It didn’t take long for his passion and skill for the game to turn into professional ambition.

“I just kept turning up for practice and putting in the hours and my love for the game meant I wanted to keep at it”.

After trying out for the Adelaide United Youth Team, Craig saw an opportunity to move to Melbourne.

“I had a chance to play with Oakley Cannons in Melbourne in the Victorian Premier League. And there were two teams, Melbourne Heart at the time and Melbourne Victory. I figured, if things aren’t working here, perhaps it’s time to go over there and try a different environment. I knew I had to follow my dream and my own pathway,” he said.

Since then, Craig’s determination has put him on the world stage.

In 2022, he scored the opening goal during the Socceroos 1-4 loss against France at the World Cup in Qatar.

“Playing with the Socceroos in the World Cup and what we were able to achieve there is probably the best sporting moment of my life. I aspire to do more with the Socceroos, but one step at a time,” he said.

As captain and leading talisman of Adelaide United, Craig is also the all-time leading goal scorer for the club.

“I grew up watching Adelaide United in the stands, so it is special for me to hold that accolade”.

Another major sporting moment for Goodwin was winning a championship with Adelaide United in 2016.

“To win a championship with Adelaide was a dream come true. And if I can help the club and this group do it again, that would be something special.”

Craig said Australian soccer can compete with the best if we invest in the game and our young players.

“For me, I think the biggest difference I’ve found when playing in Europe and in top competitions is the level of technical ability that players have compared to here. I think other countries have higher technical ability which allows them to do more at a faster speed. It is not physicality but technicality. If we invest in better coaching at a young age, this will improve our game,” he said. Goodwin hopes the recent Socceroos performance in the World Cup will inspire young soccer aspirants.

“I hope that what we achieved is a platform for young kids to build their dreams off of. Just like the 2005 golden generation and the 2006 campaign that made it to the knockout stages against Italy. It is moments like these that really make you feel the love for the game and hopefully get kids motivated to get to the top of their game.”

“I hope we can continue to encourage young kids to get involved in sport and for them to know, if you work hard, anything can happen,” he said.

Council is committed to creating opportunities for people of all ages to be involved in local sport. This includes investing in sport facilities that meet the needs of our growing population. To learn more about recent upgrades, head to page 16.