Joondalup United is saddened to hear news of the passing of former midfielder Garin Collins earlier this week.
Edinburgh native Collins was an integral part of the JUFC team which won the 2014 State League Division Two title without losing a game.
Dubbed ‘The Invincibles’ for their achievement, the talented side conquered the Division at the first attempt following their promotion from the Amateur League, and Collins was the Coach’s Player of the Year.
“Garin was different class the year we went unbeaten in State League Division Two and he easily won our Coach’s Player of the Year,” said JUFC NPL Operations Manager Rudy Proctor, who was part of the first team coaching staff at the time.
“His quality on the ball and will to win were on another level; when he crossed that white line all that mattered to him was winning and he dragged his team mates along with him.
“He would run through a brick wall for his team mates and coaching staff to get three points.”
As well as JUFC, Collins played for a number of Perth clubs, including Floreat Athena, ECU Joondalup, Quinns and Cockburn City, during an excellent career at State League level.
“We are all gutted at JUFC, and we especially gutted for his young childen and his family in both Scotland and Australia,” said Proctor.
“Our thoughts are also with his best mate and current JUFC player Ross Edwards, I have no idea how those close to him must be feeling but we are all thinking of them and will do what we can to make things easier in any way possible.
“Rest in peace, Garin, you will forever be a JUFC Invincible.”
JUFC’s NPL first team will wear black armbands as a tribute to Collins for this Saturday’s game against Bayswater City, and everyone at the club offers their condolences to his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
If you need to talk for any reason, don’t hesitate to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine 1300 78 99 78.
