On June 12 the Colo Soccer Club Fundraiser Race Day and the Terry Pracey Rising Star Series Final caught the attention of celebrities such as John Walsh of 2KY who attended the day.

Larry Circosta of the Colo Football Club believes that health is very important and should begin from a young age.

Founded in 1971 the Colo Soccer Football Club is one of the most respected sporting organisations in the Hawkesbury District, looking after the health of its 820 or so registered players, ranging from the young, to the premier league and the over 35s.

Australia’s Socceroo goalie Mark Schwarzer began his formative years at Colo Soccer Club and is still appreciative of his humble beginnings. He has kindly donated to the club annually and has kept close to the club’s members and friends even flying back to Sydney for the club’s annual fundraiser day and to sign copies of his book ‘Megs and the Vootball Kids’.

Unfortunately this year, due to clashing schedules, Mr Schwarzer was unable to attend the fundraiser but kindly sent four signed jerseys to be auctioned at the benefit. The jerseys were signed by Scott McDonald,

Frank Lampard, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer himself.

The high-profile soccer player grew up in North Richmond and attended Richmond High School before making it big in the Socceroos and then in the English Premiership League.

For the past 11 years he has contributed to the success of the Middlesbrough team, and of late has signed a new two-year contract with Fulham and was announced as a nominee for Asian Player of the Year in April.

Not surprising since Schwarzer saved an 89th minute Shao Jiayi penalty against China in Australia’s 0-0 draw in the 2010 World Cup qualifier in March 2008, proving his record of stopping crunch-time penalty kicks.

Colo club member, Joshua Jackett, 27, said he was ‘proud to be a part of such a club’.

“Every weekend we cater for over 1000 kids who come to play on our new fields,” he said.

Mr Circosta agreed, saying “We have got to look after these kids and their love of soccer. It gives them something to look forward to. It keeps them fit and away from the PlayStation.”

Bennett Real Estate believe in the same message and have sponsored the club for the past seven years. They were also involved in helping the club purchase its grounds.

“It is a great assett that the family orientated club has grounds now. It is a real place to belong,” Bennett Real Estate spokesperson Michael Bennett said.

Being more of a rugby league man himself, Mr Bennett still sees the value in the work of Colo Soccer Club with his children Jacob, 13, and Sophie, 10, both playing with the association.

The Terry Pracey Rising Star Series Final was also a hit on June 12. It supports trainee jockeys in the Hawkesbury area and throughout NSW.

Joan Pracey started up the organisation in 2005 in honour of her late husband as well as to support Racing NSW.

A trainer herself, Mrs Pracey saw the value in the Hawkesbury’s talent and supports at least six local riders including Joshua Adams and Joshua Jones.

Mrs Pracey said the Hawkesbury is a great place to start.

“Not only will young trainees get taught to ride and be given help to move up in the world of racing, but the Hawkesbury Race Club also has a well-kept track and nature reserve specifically for training,” she said.

The day attracted good crowds for two worthy causes for the youth of the Hawkesbury and both events had positive outcomes.