FREW Park was alive with excitement on Saturday as budding soccer stars took part in a Harry Kewell Academy master class.
Visiting the Blue Lake city over the weekend, the man dubbed Australia’s greatest ever soccer export took time out of his busy schedule to coach the young players.
Mount Gambier mother Amanda Stephenson was thrilled that her son Ryley had the chance to meet and work with his soccer idol.
“Ryley has been playing soccer for around three years – he is soccer mad and loves Harry Kewell,” she said.
“His visit to Mount Gambier is great for the region – soccer is massive here and the kids were very excited to meet him.”
Working for two years to make Kewell’s visit a reality, Tenison Woods College director of learning Scott Dickson said it was a great opportunity for the entire community.
“We have a strong relationship with the Harry Kewell Academy and are very excited that we were able to get them here,” he told the Border Watch on Saturday.
“It is fantastic to have Harry here – the way he interacts and works with kids is outstanding.”
Working with many young soccer players in the region, Mr Dickson said there was a lot of potential in the local area.
“Harry even pointed out some players that we should look out for in the future,” he said.
While in Mount Gambier, Kewell also held an exclusive master class at Tenison Woods College with the High Performance Sports Program students.
