Patrick Wood from Collaroy Plateau has been kicking goals with an amazing football career having represented both Sydney and Australia at a young age.

It was these amazing sporting achievements and his volunteering at local club Collaroy Cromer Strikers that earnt him our Northern Beaches Sportsperson of the Year.

At only 14, Patrick was selected to play for the Sydney FC Academy, and at 18 he received a scholarship to play with the club in the A-League Men’s team. He continues his career today with Sydney FC playing striker.

Patrick has played for Australia in the 2021 Olyroos Under 23’s team, competing in the Asian Federation Qualifiers (AFC) in Tajikistan. He even scored the goal that secured the Olyroos a spot in the AFC.

Beyond his incredible sporting career, Patrick gives back to his local club, helping out with coaching the U/16 1'S and U/18s Collaroy Cromer Strikers teams as well as assisting with grade selections for the club.

Read more about Patrick’s inspiring story below.

Nominations for our 2023 Australia Day Awards are now open – which local sportsperson like Patrick should we recognise next year? Nominate them today before entries close Monday 31 October.

When did you first start playing football?

I started playing football when I was four years old for CC Strikers. My sister, who is a year older, was going to play and they needed a few more players so I played in their U/6’s mixed team. I loved it from the very first game, especially scoring goals.

What do you love most about playing football?

I am very competitive and I like to win so this gives me the determination and the drive on the field to do my best and as a striker, score goals for my team. I also love playing in a team environment where we all strive to work together to be successful on the field.

What are you most proud of in your professional football career?

I felt really proud when I made my A League debut for Sydney FC aged 18 and when I scored my first A League goal. I felt most proud though when I played for Australia in the U/23 Olyroos Team in Tajikistan, where I scored the winning goal to help Australia qualify for the Asian Cup in Uzbekistan. Playing for my country and wearing the green of gold has definitely been a highlight of my career so far.

Why did you start volunteering your time to be a coach at Collaroy Cromer Strikers?

I started working with Collaroy Strikers when I was 16 years old. I was Assistant Coach to my twin brother’s team. I also help the club with the grading process when I can at the beginning of each season.

What do you love about coaching the Strikers teams?

I love being able to give back to the club where it all began for me when I was four years old. It is good to be able to be a role model to younger players and to encourage them to become the best footballers they can be.

How did it feel when you heard you had won the Northern Beaches Sportsperson of the Year Award?

I felt humbled to be awarded the award. There are so many elite athletes that have achieved amazing success so I was honoured to be told I had won the award.

What would you say to someone thinking about nominating their local hero for the award?

Definitely nominate the person for the award. It is great to be recognised at the local level where most sportspeople began their career.

Nominations for our 2023 Australia Day Awards are closing soon. Nominate an outstanding local or community event that makes the Northern Beaches a better place.