Football greats honoured in 2010 Football Hall of Fame

Football Hall of Fame is the top honour and provides an opportunity to recognise football's past

Football Federation Australia (FFA) today honoured ‘football greats- who have helped to define the game in our country, at the 2010 Football Hall of Fame in Sydney.

The Football Hall of Fame is the game's top honour and provides an opportunity to recognise football's past by paying tribute to the greats, both men and women. There are two categories - the Hall of Champions which celebrates the legends of the sport on the field and the Hall of Honour which recognises sustained, outstanding contribution off the field.

“We are proud of our football heritage and the Football Hall of Fame is a terrific way to honour those who have contributed to the growth of our sport thanks to their ongoing dedication, commitment and passion,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.

“The three players inducted into the Hall of Champions include former Westfield Matilda Joanne Peters together with former Qantas Socceroos Ned Zelic and Stan Lazaridis.

“Joanne ‘Joey- Peters was one of the first women to play professionally overseas and has helped to lay the foundation for future Australian women to play football internationally at a club level. Ned Zelic and Stan Lazaridis both enjoyed stellar careers as players and it is wonderful to see their active participation in the game continue as commentators, to further promote football in Australia,” he said.

Those inducted into the Hall of Honour include Mark Shield and the late Martyn Crook.

All past and new inductees can be seen at the virtual Football Hall of Fame gallery at www.footballhalloffame.com.au

In addition to the Football Hall of Fame inductions, FFA presented five players with caps.

The caps are awarded to every player who has played an 'A' international for Australia. The cap program celebrates the history of our round ball and the important role each and every Qantas Socceroo and Westfield Matilda has played in developing the game.

Each cap includes the match details of the player-s debut game, as well as their Socceroo or Matildas ‘number-.

Those presented with caps today included Alex Tobin, Robbie Slater, Vicki Cerney (Salmons), Kaylene Janssen and Michelle Prouten.