Lucy Zeezou's Goal (22 page)

Reporting on the 1998 World Cup in Paris consolidated my love affair with football. It's where I experienced the power and passion of the game and its ability to break down barriers and bring together people from all backgrounds.

Football, its fans and my life experiences have given me the essential fuel to feed my story and I feel privileged to have this incredible opportunity to share this with you. I'd like to thank the following friends and family whose love and support have ensured that my dream has become a reality.

I'm forever grateful to Jeanne Ryckmans for her belief in me and planting the seed that has changed my life. My amazing and nurturing publisher, Linsay Knight, for recognising my passion and commitment. My fabulous editor, Kimberley Bennett, for capturing the essence of the story and for her expertise. Jean Paul Calvaruso, who made the Italian flavour come alive. Tom Sermanni and the Matildas, for sharing their inspirational stories. The late Andrea Stretton, for believing in me, and Johnny Warren, for encouraging my love of football.

My mum and dad, for their unconditional love and the magical experiences growing up above their fruit store. My brother Danny, my guiding light and motivator. Auntie Yvette, for sharing my lust for life. Helen Chu, for
recognising my ability to write a children's tale. My sister Tracey, the lioness, for strength and courage. John Amek, for his organic treats. My sister Elle, and Harry Loumanis, for their homemade chocolates and my brother David, who shares my passion for sport. Kylie Kwong, for her soulful food. Hilary Adams, for her guidance. Marcella Kaspar, for her artistic eye. Christine Stavropoulos, for her energy and commitment. Mena Labbozetta for making things happen.

Paolo Maldini and Christian Vieri, Jai Kaldor, Ana Kypreos, Sarah Holloway, Pino Paonessa, Enrico Paradiso, Phil Moss, Andy Harper, Julie Murray, Bianca Polinelli, Lee Lin Chin, Deborah Abela, Suzanne Leal, Carolyn Hardy, Tami Roos, Jennie Clavin, Anastasia Cummings, Nicole Howard, Peter Hennessey, Robert England, Karla Grant, Adriana Nunez and Shelley Burnham.

John Genner, for inspiring me to think big. Woollahra School mums, Queens Park 11As football team of 2007 and their football mums and dads, the real Coach James McKechnie and his assistant Peter Jones.

My inspirational nieces and nephews: Connor, Lee, Jackson, Riley, Cocoa, Sahara, Brandan, Jared, Jasmin, Daley, Zakk, Khobi, Chase and Zali.

Marie and John Jones for their love and funny tales.

And to my husband Derek, a football tragic who helped me deliver the right football language and my gorgeous kids, Dylan and Bella, thank you for putting up with my obsession with Lucy.

Photograph by Derek Jones

Liz Deep-Jones started her media career as a journalist and television presenter for SBS Television on one of Australia's most popular prime-time live sports programs. She's also enjoyed stints in the radio, magazine and film industries.

Her career highlights include reporting on the 1998 FIFA World Cup in Paris and the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where she met her idol Nelson Mandela. She's also reported for SBS TV's indigenous news program,
Living Black
, produced the Deadly Awards at the Sydney Opera House and highlights packages of the Australian Tennis Open for overseas television networks. She's enjoyed guest appearances on Channel 10's
The Panel
and Adam Spencer's breakfast radio show.

Liz is proud to be a UNICEF Australia Ambassador, and MCs charity events for the fund. UNICEF aims to improve
the quality of kids' lives around the world. If you're interested in finding out more, please visit
www.unicef.org.au
or their youth related site, ‘UNICEF Voices of Youth', at
www.unicef.org/voy
.

Liz's love for the world game extends to her family life, where she manages her son's football team. She's living her dream writing books and encouraging kids to pursue their passion and to explore their imagination through her author talks and writing workshops. She's currently writing her second book. She lives in Sydney with her family. You can find out more about Liz and her debut book at:

 

www.lucyzeezou.com

Photo: AC Milan Academy Australia
International football legend Paolo Maldini with
Lucy Zeezou's Goal