250 games of senior football is no small feat; most senior players consider themselves fortunate to make it to 100..

When we contacted Ian for an interview, it was clear that he didn’t really want to talk about himself. 

Instead, Ian thanked his team, people involved with the Strikers (past and present) and his number one fan; his wife, Mel.

“I’d like to make a special mention to my wife. We got married in 2000 and she has supported me through everything.”

Ian has played soccer for 26 years starting at the tender age of 12, and his first game for the Strikers was played in 1995.

In his early years with the Strikers, Ian enjoyed playing soccer with teammates such as Mick Simons, Sean Dickson, Tony Judge and Scott Keith. 

Ian still admires the sheer talent of his old teammates

He thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Farnsy’ years.

Wayne ‘Farnsy’ Farnsworth was coach at the helm of the club’s first premiership win for the first grade men in 2002, when they defeated Wagga United 2-1. 

“Once the boys got a sniff of victory they wanted more and we went on to win a couple more (premierships), it was a great time to be part of the club,” Farnsy said. 

With a background in Sydney’s national league, Ian maintains that “Farnsy brought professionalism to the club, as a coach and a player.”

2004 was a great year for Ian. First grade defeated Leeton for premiership glory that year, while reserve grade downed Tolland.

Ian thoroughly enjoyed Farnsy’s style of coaching.

“You had to be there at training and if you weren’t you’d be cut, or sitting on the bench,” he said.

“Everyone was fighting for a position, and pretty much the whole side was bang-on.”

Over the years, Ian has developed an appreciation for the committee members who are “passionate about soccer in Cootamundra.” 

“There has always been a strong committee behind the club,” he said.

Ian is a born leader, recently taking on the captainship for the reserve grade team.

“We had a new fella join us this year, and I didn’t know him from a bar of soap.

“In one of the first games I noticed he was playing well but he didn’t have the confidence to shoot.

“I said, ‘Mate, don't be scared; you might mess up but you’ve gotta back yourself.’

“In the second half he started beating players, and taking shots on goals. It was great to watch.”

Returning to the Strikers

Ian Wilson - Captain of reserve grade via Facebook

After three years away from the club…(I came back this year) to play on the new homeground of O'Connor Park, to try a drop a few kilos and sit on the bench; just to help out where I could and have fun.

But by a little luck I have been able to make almost every training session since April this year with a big change in my work.

I was really honoured to get the captaincy for the rest of the year. 

Coach, Andrew ‘Wally’ Parkinson, and I will try to lead by example.

Ian’s club spirit

Kaylene Ashley - Assistant Manager of reserve grade via email

My husband, Col, and I have known Ian “Ice” Wilson for about 15 years. His “club spirit” utterly beams from within him; that’s what we admire most about Ian. 

Regarding the milestone of 250 games with the club; to watch him step into the captain’s roll last Sunday after Wally’s retirement was so fitting and done with pride.

He has done so much for our club; usually in the background. Ice does it all in his own humble way.

He has managed our son’s youth league side in the past and last Sunday, Ian and Harry played side by side.

You’ll spot him on the sideline with his little video camera most weekends. 

He’s now working with new and younger generations, talking it up to the boys on the pitch; imparting his amazing wealth of knowledge, and sharing the way he reads the game.

We both feel it’s fantastic to have Ice back within the Strikers family again. 

“A shining light for the Strikers”

Stephen P Butler - Teammate, friend and teacher via Facebook

It's been a great pleasure playing alongside of you; I'd play beside you anytime mate. 

You've become a great player because you listen and learn.

You deserve the accolades. Your heart is as big as Phar Lap’s; you’re an awesome clubman and a shining light for the Strikers.