Volunteers are the heart and soul of any sporting club and it’s no exception at Sydney FC.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of any sporting organisation and its no exception at Sydney FC where volunteers put in a combined effort of hundreds of hours each season to help the club function throughout every Hyundai A-League campaign.

Recently Sydney-s senior squad gathered together to offer their thanks to the volunteers and their families who freely give up so much of their time, with the players hosting a barbeque lunch at their Macquarie University training base as a way of showing their appreciation.

A large contingent of volunteers was on hand to enjoy the afternoon, with Sydney-s stars showing they know their way around a hot plate, almost as well as the playing surface at the Sydney Football Stadium.

There was plenty of opportunity for people to seek out autographs and have photos taken with their favourite footballers, and also the chance to chat with the players about the highs and lows of the last season.

For players and volunteers alike it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, and a great way to kick off an early countdown to Sydney-s next season, and what should be an exciting and successful chase for the 2009/10 title.