Paul Wade
Australian soccer legend.
Profile
Born in Cheshire, England, Paul Wade moved to Australia with his parents at age 11. By 1984, he had attained Australian citizenship and represented his adopted country for the first time, playing for Australia’s ‘B’ side against Tasmania. That same year, he made his debut in the National Soccer League with the Green Gully Cavaliers.
Current work
He is currently ratified as an active supporter of Epilepsy Action Australia and is Patron of the Cerebral Palsy International Sporting and Recreation Association (CPISRA). His passion for sport and life continues today and is clearly visible in his presentations to all.
Previous experience
NSL: Wade’s club career was spent entirely in Australia, a rarity for players who often go to Europe on the lure of a better quality of football, more passionate fan support and higher salaries. Wade played a total of 345 games in the NSL.
Olympics: Wade’s 84 ‘A’ international appearances for Australia made him the second most capped player in the country’s history. In total, Wade played 118 games for Australia between 1986 and 1996. He represented the Socceroos at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea and in two FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns (1990 and 1994).
TV: Paul’s experience and popularity as an Australian international allowed for an easy transition to a career as a sports presenter. He has worked as a commentator and analyst with all the major TV networks. Pay TV has provided the opportunity to host football shows covering the National Soccer League (NSL). He worked weekly on SKY NEWS for over 6 years covering the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Working on ABC radio & TV has Paul calling A-league games as well as Socceroos & Matildas internationals.
Schools: He also began the Paul Wade National Soccer Schools programme, which visited primary schools in various locations around Australia developing the game of football and has provided clinics for junior players of all ages, genders and skill levels. He has also worked with Football New South Wales in delivering a Skills Acquisition Program (SAP). It is aimed at the most talented 9-12 year old boys & girls in New South Wales. Paul has over 20 years of experience working in grass roots sports.
Author: In 1995 Wade released his autobiography, Captain Socceroo: The Paul Wade Story. Wade has epilepsy and often makes appearances at functions dedicated to promoting awareness of the condition.
Media
Feedback
An all round great presentation that motivated our members to take responsibility for their own business and the results they achieve.
Paul ran a great team-building event with my team. His key messages around teamwork and respect were clear and my team could really appreciate them. I look forward to having him back again soon.
Paul speaks from the heart of his dreams, measured by meaningful and poignant life experiences, imbued with passion and humour, with an insightfulness that sits well with those who also dream and aspire to be the best they can be.
