The City of Ryde has presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Sydney FC captain and Australian international representative Alex Wilkinson for his outstanding achievements in footbal l.
Mr Wilkinson grew up playing football in the City of Ryde where he was a student at Ryde East Public School and Epping Boys High School.
He primarily played junior football for North Ryde Soccer Club, before embarking on a senior career at Northern Sp irit and Ryde City Gunners.
When the A -League national football competition was formed in 2005, Mr Wilkinson was signed by the Central Coast Mariners where he played 172 games before relocating to South Korea to play for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Upon retu rning to Australia, Mr Wilkinson played 10 games for Melbourne United before returning home to sign for Sydney FC in 2016. After serving as Sydney FC's vice -captain for three seasons, Mr Wilkinson became the club 's eighth official captain at the start of t he current A -League season.
Mr Wilkinson has also made 11 appearances for the Australian national team, including all three games Australia played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
"Alex Wilkinson is a City of Ryde legend who started his career playing in our local competitions before going on to represent club and country. This Certificate of Appreciation is our way of acknowledging all he has done in his professional career and for the City of Ryde," City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, said.
Clr Roy Magg io, who moved the Certificate of Appreciation motion, said Mr Wilkinson was an inspiration to many.
"Alex has reached the highest level by represe nting his country playing football and his outstanding achievements have had a tremendous influence on local football players of all ages, " Clr Maggio said.
The Certificate of Appreciation was signed by all councillors and presented to Mr Wilkinson at last night's Council meeting.
