Catholic Outlook December 2016

NEWS & EVENTS
Emilio sings and signs
for Wanderers
By Adrian Middeldorp and
Jordan Grantham
EMILIO MARTINEZ DREAMED of a
professional football (soccer) career
at the age of eight. Ten years later, his
prayers were answered on his 18 th birthday in
October this year. He signed his first professional
contract and joined the Western Sydney
Wanderers in the A-League.
The alumnus of Emmaus Catholic College
at Kemps Creek was an early supporter of the
Wanderers, cheering from the Red and Black
Bloc or ‘RBB’ at the age of 13.
“I love Western Sydney Wanderers, I was
there from the start. I was such a supporter,”
Emilio said.
West Ham United FC first noticed Emilio
during that time. The English Premier
League team flew him over to trial.
Emilio’s life-changing moment came
in Year 11, at the Nike Academy trial. He
displayed his left-footed attacking midfield
style, similar to superstars Isco (Real Madrid)
and David Silva (Manchester City).
“The date was 14 March 2015,” Emilio said.
“I knew I had to give it my all.
“I remember that day very fondly and my
name got called out and it all started from
there really.”
He made a powerful impression on the
football world as the youngest in the elite
squad. Emilio excelled at the prestigious
academy, based at St George’s Park, the
English National Team’s training ground.
“I knew the whole process and what it
consisted of – a few big players have gone
through and become professionals. Tom
Rogic is one of them.”
After the academy, Emilio faced heartbreak
when a deal with a Spanish club deal fell
through due to visa difficulties.
“At this point, I made the choice to come
back to Australia to clear my mind and
decide what I really wanted to do.”
A day after returning, the Wanderers
phoned Emilio. He impressed at the
youth squad training, and commenced a
professional contract to train and possibly
play in the top team. He feels lucky
to have started his career at home with
the Wanderers.
Faith and family are crucial to Emilio. He
describes them as vital to his success.
“In my family, faith is very, very big. It’s
something we look on in everyday life, in
every situation. We look at positives and
negatives, it must be because it’s meant to be
– we’re very strong believers in that.
“Personally, even my football is based on
my faith in God. I can do everything in him,
my strength lies in him as well.”
Several meaningful tattoos are on his right
arm. Roman numerals symbolise each of his
family members. The cross and his favourite
Bible passage represent his faith: “Let all that
you do be done in love” (1 Cor 16:14).
The power of that passage has been felt in
his life. “I had always believed in it, I believe
you do it with love, not because you’re forced
to, whether it be a job or anything like that.”
Emilio describes his faith as simple, strong
and based on daily prayer.
“Always before bed and before my games,
I like to make my own prayers and speak to
God myself. I also like to use the Our Father,
Hail Mary and I always have the rosary on
me. I like to keep it simple, short and sweet.
“It’s definitely something I have been
brought up with.”
Emilio’s faith also grew at Holy Spirit
Primary, St Clair, then at Emmaus College
and within his parish.
Emilio’s dedication was evident at school.
Emilio Martinez says he feels lucky to have started his career at home with the Wanderers.
Photos: Jordan Grantham.
Mrs Dominique Luke, Year 12 Coordinator
at Emmaus College, was Emilio’s year
coordinator twice. Emilio’s leadership
qualities, good grades and positive social
influence were clear to her.
Friendly staff v students football matches
excelled when Emilio played. “There were a
few good footballers in the staff and that’s the
type of student-teacher relationship there is
at Emmaus – that’s why a lot of students love
it there,” he said.
“I have my family to thank for that and
I’ve been brought up in a loving Catholic
community. I owe it all to that.”
Emilio Martinez is a confident and kind
young man. With his talent, strong resolve,
discipline, deep faith and a loving family, he
may just have what it takes to perform at the
highest levels of international football.
Emilio describes his faith as simple, strong and based
on daily prayer.
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DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017 CatholicOutlook 5