Community club: Western Sydney Wanderers fans Eric Berry and his sons Damien and Jake love the sense of community shown through the club. Picture: Helen Nezdropa
IS THIS Penrith resident the biggest fan of Australia's newest A-League soccer club?
If dedication and passion were all that was needed, Eric Berry would come in as the Western Sydney Wanderers number one supporter.
Mr Berry hasn't missed a single home game in the Wanderers inaugural season, so that's another box ticked.
And, on top of that, he has also attended all of the women's W-League home games at Campbelltown.
Support for the Wanderers' two teams is a family affair as Mr Berry's two sons, Damien, 19, and Jake, 16, travel with him.
Mr Berry even pops up at training sessions and, as an amateur photographer, shares his photos of the matches with both players and other fans.
W-League Western Sydney Wanderers player Catherine Cannuli says Berry's support is fantastic.
"He was always interactive, taking photos and giving us the discs, so we had memories of the games too," Cannuli said.
"He even drove all the way down to Canberra in an away game to support us."
Berry decided to follow the Wanderers because it's a club that represents home.
"When they announced the Wanderers club was forming, I thought it was going to be a community club — and I was right," he said.
"They asked our opinion on colours and where we wanted games to be played.
"There's so much focus on the community that I love it."
Berry loves the atmosphere at Wanderers matches.
"The Parramatta Stadium atmosphere is fantastic," he said.
"What links it is the family environment with the players, the staff and the fans."
Berry says it's difficult to choose a favourite player.
"It's a close call but I'll say Adam D'appuzzo," he said. "He's the left fullback and wears number 3, which was my position when I used to play.
"Tarek Elrich is a close second because he is such a fan-focused player.
"Between him and Adam it's the toss of a coin."