25 years and counting
Last updated: Wednesday July 28, 2010 1:41PM
Sandringham City Soccer Club President, Kevin Maher, presents a plaque to Frank Hajncl following his milestone game.
Last weekend, 50-year-old Frank Hajncl lined up for his 488th consecutive game of football, completing 25 years of unbroken service for the Sandringham City Soccer Club Third’s team.
Since being convinced to fill-in for his beloved Sandringham City Soccer Club team way back in July 1985, Mr Hajncl has not missed a single game. He has played through numerous injuries, including two broken wrists, several broken toes, various stitched injuries, a dodgy back and even a night spent in hospital prior to a big game.
“There are an awful number of players in my team who weren’t born when I started,” Mr Hajncl told the Herald Sun.
“It keeps me young; my mindset is telling me I can keep doing it so I might as well continue while I can.”
This amazing feat was made even more special for Mr Hajncl in his milestone game on Sunday, as his team came back from a goal down in the opening minutes to record a 7-1 win against the other Sandringham Third’s team.
“I managed to score two goals and had a hand in three others, so there was reason to celebrate at the end - we won’t talk about the few chances I’d missed earlier on though!” he said.
So where to now for this season professional?
“I’ve been playing more soccer this year than ever before in my life — regularly playing two games on Sunday, followed by a game or two of indoor — and I’m enjoying it as much as ever, so long as the legs carry me, I’ll continue on.”
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