Heather set to help the next generation | (Credit: FFA) Heather set to help the next generation | (Credit: FFA)

Football Federation Australia has announced that Qantas Socceroo Brett Emerton and Westfield Matilda Heather Garriock have been appointed as FFA’s inaugural Community Football Ambassadors.Both Emerton and Garriock will promote a range of community programs and activities across Australia, including;

• MyFootballClub national online community football registration

• Community player registration drive in 2012

• Community coaching courses

• Hyundai A-League Community Rounds and Westfield W-League feature matches

Garriock, 28, who plays for Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League, started her football career with the Leppington Lions, who were also in the Macarthur Association at the time, and also believes that playing football from a young age is a great way for kids to get active and make lifelong friends.

“Football has given me amazing opportunities and experiences in life,” said Garriock.

“For me it all started with my local football club and the fun I had playing the game at young age has stuck with me all through my career.

“Being an ambassador allows me to give back to the kids who hopefully one day will also be able to achieve their dreams.”

FFA CEO Ben Buckley said he was delighted that Brett and Heather had accepted the appointment as FFA’s Community Football Ambassadors.

“Heather has also been a fantastic success story for Women’s football in Australia and her talent and dedication have taken her around the world.

“Making her international debut at 16 was the start of an amazing football journey through 125 games so far and three FIFA Women’s World Cups, two AFC Women's Asian Cups and two Olympic Games.

“On top of that she is a championship winning player with Sydney FC and has also played in professional leagues in the USA, Denmark and Sweden. Any youngster with stars in their eyes would be dazzled by Heather's story."