Welcome to episode 69 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the tremendous people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Rex Leighton is our interviewee in episode 69. For over several decades Rex has been a part of the Illawarra football fabric and continues to be part of our wonderful community. In this episode we examine his Family's connection with the game; his junior and senior football career; his coaching appointments; his refereeing journey and the various footballing administrative roles that he has fulfilled in the region. Extremely humble, Rex has given so much to Illawarra football and listening to his journey was a fantastic experience for me in so many ways. Due to his varied journey we examine different areas of the game in the Illawarra along with hearing about great people, clubs and organisations. It was absolutely terrific listening to Rex recalling his footballing life and for me it was a pleasure recording his memories. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Rex took in recording this episode. Please enjoy episode 69!

Episode 68 Steve Sowry Welcome to episode 68 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast, proudly brought to you by H. Parsons Funeral Directors, an Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra since 1893. Firstly I would like to sincerely thank all of the interviewees, listeners and the football community of the Illawarra, Australia, Barcelona, Richardson and elsewhere around the World who download this podcast. Additionally I would like to say thank you to the brilliant people who contribute, comment and reminisce on the social media pages. Steve Sowry is our interviewee in episode 68. Born in Seacroft Leeds in the United Kingdom in 1951, Steve enjoyed listening to football on the radio, watching his Father play the game and playing goalkeeper for his primary and high schools. In 1962 his Family emigrated to Australia and it is here where his football journey in Oz began. We explore his time at Balgownie Hostel Junior Soccer Club, going from goalkeeper to striker and playing for the Hostel's senior team. Additionally we examine his time at the German influenced North Wollongong Soccer Club, Figtree SC, Fairy Meadow United SC and finally the remainder of his football career with Figtree SC as a player and as a coach. It was absolutely brilliant listening to Steve recalling his footballing journey, especially when we delve into his thoughts on former team mates, games played, coaches and opponents. I sincerely thank and appreciate the time Steve took in recording this episode. Please enjoy episode 68!