Louis Renaud lives and breathes all aspects of Avalon Soccer Club.
The 34-year-old has played close to 500 games for his beloved Reds, first lacing the boots in the under-10s back in 1993.
On Saturday afternoon at Careel Bay when the AL/1s take on Harbord Seasiders United, he will take to the field for one final time, after deciding it is time to venture into coaching from next season.
Once both teams shake hands at the final whistle, Renaud will reach for his usual post game treat – a Bundaberg rum.
It will be followed by a thorough analysis for his teammates of his on-field performance – good or bad.
Such is the happy go lucky nature of Renaud.
“Winning a grand final in 2008 as well as gaining promotion to the Premier League (in 2012) are great memories,” the affable builder said.
“It will be weird not playing in 2019, but I don’t want to be that old bloke holding a spot out of loyalty at the expense of a young player.
“I couldn’t walk away for good, the club has been such a massive part of my life for so long.
“I guess I will give coaching a crack.”
When things have needed to be done at Avalon in recent years, Renaud has invariably been behind the scenes helping out.
Be it partaking in the City to Surf with a big group of players to raise money for charity, or cheering on the ladies Premier League, hehas beena constant.
“I like to give back, and being surrounded by the younger blokes makes me briefly ignore the fact I’m almost in my mid-30s,” he said.
“Football is about having fun and friendships, which Avalon has given me in spades.”
When it comes to Renaud’s club passion, Avalon truly are magic.
