Gold Coast United may no longer be around, but Aymen Hadid is making sure LFC Sports is here to stay.
Once a signing with the former A-League club, Hadid now strives to shape the lives of young men who dream of making it just as far in their careers.
His lifestyle may have drastically shifted since the sun set on a professional career but that doesn’t mean football is not a central motivation in life.
“I’m trying to get involved with players that want to take their game to the next level and offer any advice or help – and contacts – I have for pathways,” Hadid told Football Canterbury.
In combination with former Socceroo and player development expert Stephen O’Connor, Hadid is investing heavily in the next generation of talent in Lakemba and nearby regions.
Youth development is bolstered by the proximity of mature heads around the team who are content just being involved.
“A lot of the boys are stressed from NPL and want to refresh and regroup,” Hadid said.
“I meet them there and we make it a fun football environment mixing older boys with younger boys for a mentoring factor in the squad.”
LFC’s genesis derived from one of those venerated stars and his established community club.
Boasting over a century of existence and the likes of Tim Cahill, a respect for and desire to expand the Lakemba club gave birth to the current iteration.
“It rebranded to LFC from Lakemba because we wanted to revamp the club and attract young kids who want to play football, not necessarily at the top level but still adding professionalism which makes them fall in love with the game again.”
Falling in love with the game requires an initial respect and appreciation for it, says player and coach, Hadid.
“I teach them that anything’s possible and that you’ve got to enjoy your football first and foremost.”
“I talk to them about their lifestyle outside of football so that their habits move onto the field: that was who they are on the field is who they are off the field.”
Mentorship is a key tenet of Hadid’s continued involvement at the community level.
Seeing tangible progression on and off the field not only fulfils the lives of LFC’s players and families, but Hadid himself.
“Issues in day-to-day life, I’m there for them as an older brother doing everything I can to mentor them so they can achieve their life goal.”
“It’s a good balance. It keeps me in check, keeps me young at heart, but I’m also there for them as more mature player.”
An absence of players through injury and family commitments, including a birth, hasn’t allowed LFC to display their capabilities and strong culture.
With a full squad assembled within a month, Hadid and the passionate, proud team formed under his tutelage are bursting to represent their club.
