Tributes to boy wonder

Tombides was with the club for two years after his time at Wembley Downs.

He played junior soccer for Wembley Downs, Stirling Lions and Perth, then moved to Macau in 2008 with his parents and younger brother Taylor before going on to play for English Premier League side West Ham United.

The club paid tribute to Tombides with a one-minute applause during last week’s game against Bayswater City and, according to Evans, it was the first of many tributes to the ‘boy’ touted to be the next Harry Kewell.

‘The grieving process will be difficult but we have come together as a family does, and have sought solace through good memories and watching the beautiful tributes from the West Ham Football club, the coaches, players and supporters who are as deeply touched as we are back here in Perth.’

Evans said the club would look to honour Tombides by naming facilities at the club after him and, with Perth Soccer Club, was in the process of organising a cup to be named in his honour.

‘We have many close friends of the family based at our club who want to make sure we have a lasting memorial to honour Dylan and his special time with our club,’ Evans said.

The early plans are to get approval for a project to build a gym and warm- up lap pool for the development needs of up and coming Lion cubs.

‘We’ll need council and community support to make this project come to fruition. I’ve had many generous sponsors express their interest in contributing toward a fitness centre based at our club and carrying Dylan’s name.

‘We along with Perth are looking to name a Cup named the Dylan Tombides Cup to be played for every time our two clubs meet,’ Evans said.

‘Finally, we will be asking our governing body Football West to consider naming a Youth Player of the Year award to honour Dylan and his family.’

Evans said Tombides would he remembered for his team ethics, selflessness and passion for the game.

‘Dylan had a gift that gave him the confidence to take on and beat an opponent with consummate ease,’ he said.

‘He was a coach’s dream, a player who had it all and most of all a level head that never ever forgot his roots and his mentors.

‘He didn’t have an enemy in the world and the tributes flowing in are testimony to the cheeky, friendly Aussie boy from Down Under.’