IF THE world had more people like Tarek Elrich, it’d be a better place.
I had the fine fortune of sitting down to a one-on-one interview with the Jets whizz last Wednesday, where we discussed everything from his transition from goalkeeper to outfield player, his desire to wear the green and gold, playing abroad, and his thoughts on the Jets this season.
But while it was interesting to learn he chose a new two-year deal at the Jets over several other offers (some from abroad), the highlight of my yak with the young gun transpired when he spoke of the glee he gains from giving back through his role as a professional footballer.
While I hope I don't embarrass Tarek by saying this, it was refreshing to see a footballer of the round ball variety leading the charge as a positive role model.
Of course, that's not to say footballers of ours or other codes don't also do some great work - I know they do - but many could seemingly take a leaf from Elrich's book.
"I've got a younger brother who's disabled so I know how hard it is on the families," Elrich said. "For me, an hour of my time each day to go out there and say hello to a kid, hand them a poster... to see that smile on their face is priceless.
"I work a lot with the Leukaemia Foundation...all these kids are going through so much pain, all of this treatment and all this time stuck in the hospital and they're always happy and smiling. It makes you wake up to yourself sometimes.
"If I lose a game, you can't talk to me for three days, I'm that upset about it. But you learn to just get over things because there are people out there in much more pain and struggling much more than you are at the moment.
"As I tell the club all the time - if something comes up when you need me to go visit kids, by all means send them my way, I'd love to attend. To make a kid happy and smile, I'd go out of my way."
As a Jets fan first and foremost, this is the kind of stuff I love to hear. It's the sort of genuine effort that can help ensure the longevity of the game in Australia, and is a great tonic to some of the inglorious happenings around the A-League right now.
As one of the first names on Branko Culina's team sheet each week, it's an absolute delight Tarek will be hanging round for another two seasons at least.
