11th September, 2006
Kangaroos Bound into the Mad Stad
by Adam Bennett

After a season packed full of achievement, effort and a lot of fun, the IX Europe Reading Kangaroos got a fantastic chance to raise the club's profile, doing a halftime lap of honour at the world famous Madejski Stadium, home of Reading FC. Although newcomers to the Premiership, Reading have started the season well and are showing that the big stage is where they belong.

Ex-Club-President Gareth Marney, sadly absence from the Roos teamsheet this season, did some great groundwork with Sara and Matt in the events office at Reading and managed to negotiate the opportunity, to take place at the interval of the Reading vs Man City Showdown on Monday 11th September.

Complete with numerous trophies from pre-season, Regional and European tournaments, several footys and strict instructions not to start leading onto the pitch, the Roos lined up in the tunnel a few minutes before halftime, before the realisation hit - there's thousands of people out there!

There were a few nerves in evidence, but the lads got a great reception from the Reading faithful, also celebrating a late goal in the first half, and it was great to see familiar faces in the crowd on the way round. Joao also managed to get himself on the big screen, drawing the half-time 'Golden Gamble' prize drawer. With a club bio and list of achievements being read out over the PA, the lads did a lap of the pitch and thoroughly enjoyed their moment in the spotlight. Club Photographer and all-round supporter extraordinaire Selina also joined the boys with her ever-present camcorder, so hopefully some shots of the event will be available soon.

The Roos would like to thank Reading FC for their support and the fantastic opportunity. Big hand to Sara in the events office for setting it up, Gareth for putting in the legwork (even if he did get stuck in the stand and couldn't make the walkround) and Matt for keeping us on the straight and narrow around the pitch (even when Oli and Zac started to twitch at the sight of all that flat grass!)

(Photos and video to follow soon.)

The Squad
Ads, Paul, Mike, Mick, Ross, Zac, Oli, Will, Andy Whits, Ian, Joao, Sam, Andy McLeod, Craig, Nick