The announcement was made prior to the Australia v China 2010 World Cup qualification match at ANZ Stadium, Sydney.

"As football continues to experience huge growth and popularity, it is vitally important that we recognise and celebrate the history of the code and also the players who have made significant contributions representing Australia," FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, said.

“Just over 500 men have played football for Australia since the first international match in 1922 and those who have done so continue to be an important part of the game.

“The alumni will help bring a unity of focus for former national team players, especially as we work with them across a number of areas of mutual interest to advance the game further.”

‘Socceroo Club’ committee member, and Socceroo great, Ray Baartz said that the Socceroos embody the spirit, heritage and tradition of the game.

“Once a Socceroo, always a Socceroo’ is what we’re about,” said Baartz.

“All of us who have worn the green and gold have done so with enormous pride and commitment, and we all love this game with a passion.

“Regardless of whether we retired from football 50 years ago or five years ago, we want to continue to contribute to the game and we’re delighted to be working with FFA to do this on a formal basis across a number of areas,” Baartz said.

The ‘Socceroo Club’ will work with FFA to promote and advance the history, culture, values and future of football as well as the Socceroos.

The initial managing committee of the 'Socceroo Club' are Baartz, Charlie Yankos, Ted Smith and Harry Kewell.

Baartz said that some of the projects the player alumni will work on with FFA include a mentoring program for young players, finalising the presentation of caps to former (and current) players, the establishment of Australian Football Awards and upgrading the Hall of Fame.

Also at the announcement were seven former Socceroos who received a cap from FFA Chairman, Frank Lowy AC, to recognise their time as players. The group included three members of the 1974 FIFA World Cup squad (Doug Utjesenovic, Ray Richards and Gary Manuel) as well as former Socceroos captain, Charlie Yankos. Others capped were Allan Maher, Ron Corry and Murray Barnes.