We’re red and white for life! That’s the message from Olympic FC U18 trio Christopher Ahlatis, William Laskaris & John Babousis who all completed their tenth season at the Club at the conclusion of the 2019 campaign.
The now 16-year-olds have been at Olympic since they were six, coming through the ranks in Olympic’s junior programs and will all be part of the Club’s U18 NPL side in 2020.
We caught up with the lads to reflect on their time at Olympic!
John Babousis
Age
16
Position
I’ve played a few different positions: fullback, midfield, right-wing and striker. My preferred position is striker.
Best memory playing at Olympic
In 2017 was I playing for the U14 Div 1 team and I got called up to go and play with the U14 NPL boys against Western Pride. This was my first game with the NPL squad and I scored a goal half-way through the match. Another great memory was being selected for the U15 NPL squad and scoring a hat-trick in my first game of the season.
What do you love about Olympic?
I love the passion that Olympic has towards football. I’ve always felt part of the team at any level that I’ve played and the respect that I have had for my coach’s has been reciprocated to me. I’ve never felt the urge to leave the club.
Aims and ambitions for 2020
My aim for 2020 is to play a few games with the U20s squad and be the best football player that I can be and continue to play at an elite level.
William Laskaris
Age
16
Position
Midfielder
Best memory playing at Olympic
I’ve had many great memories playing at Olympic, but the one that has stuck with me the most was making the Grand Final in the 2018 season. Although we didn’t win the game it was great to see all the boys playing for each other and leaving nothing on the pitch. I’m sure there are still many great memories to come.
What do you love about Olympic?
I’m a third-generation Olympic player with my father and grandfather playing here before me. I’ve always loved this club and it’s been like a second home to me since I was a junior. You feel part of a family at Olympic and I don’t think you can get that anywhere else. I want to be a one-club man and I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else
Aims and ambitions for 2020
My aims and ambitions for 2020 are to really cement my spot in the U18’s squad and hopefully break into the U20’s team. With the squads we have this year, I think we are in real contention for finals football. I’m excited and grateful to be part of the senior football at Olympic and ready for the season to get underway.
Christopher Ahlatis
Age
16
Position
Started as a defender, then winger and now midfielder.
Best memory playing at Olympic
I’ve had many good memories playing at Olympic, but one that stands out was winning the U12 Div1 Grand Final. It was a great season and we also won the premiership that year.
What do you love about Olympic?
Olympic is where I started playing football and it’s where I learned to play the game. I love the community as it makes you feel like part of the family, a family that you want to come back to every year. I’ve met some amazing people at the club over the years and have made many good friends. Whatever my best is, I want to achieve it at Olympic as it’s my club that am very passionate about. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else as I can’t imagine it would ever feel like home.
Aims and ambitions for 2020
I aim to push myself in the 2020 season to improve as a player and push into the next level of senior football at Olympic. There are many good players at the club and I’m excited to play alongside them and work with some of the best coaches around.
