By Ewen McRae
Rockbank is officially home to a Guinness World Record, after soccer enthusiasts descended on the suburb last month for a crack at history.
Trying to set a new mark for the World’s Largest Soccer Lesson, Woodlea Estate hosted the major event on October 26 as they tried to better the previous world record of 705 people, achieved in Poland on April 8, 2018.
With the lesson run by former Melbourne Victory coach and ex-Socceroo, Kevin Muscat, alongside Matildas striker, Kyah Simon, the record was smashed to set a new mark of 835 participants.
Woodlea sales and marketing manager, Lora Djurdjevic said Woodlea are still pinching themselves after officially earning the title.
“We absolutely loved seeing our Woodlea community come together with so much passion, drive, commitment and care from everyone involved,” she said.
“A huge thank you to our wonderful community of friends, families and countless clubs for your participation. Woodlea is all about creating a community that encourages families to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
“We cannot wait to host many more exciting community events.”
Among an exhaustive list of guidelines, the lesson had to last a minimum of 30 minutes, and required each participant to wear the appropriate outfit and play to the best of their ability.
It continues a strong soccer tradition for the burgeoning estate, which has hosted a successful soccer clinic each year since its inception.
The clinics feature former Brazilian World Cup players who travel to Melbourne as part of the ‘Tour of Hope’, an initiative to inspire and help coach young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
