The inaugural Football Writers' Festival kicked off what organisers hope will become an annual fixture.
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The weekend's event at Jamberoo Pub included keynote conversations and panel discussions, and was organised by Fair Play Publishing and the Johnny Warren Football Foundation.
Presented as a celebration of football, writing and ideas, the festival attracted two keynote international guests; German sports investigative journalist and author, Jens Weinreich and American author/filmmaker Gwendolyn Oxenham.
It was to be headlined by World Cup champion and two-time Olympic Games gold medal winner Hope Solo, but co-organiser Jamie Warren said Solo withdrew due to health reasons.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Chris Nikou and former Socceroo and SBS-TV analyst Craig Foster also appeared.
"It is an honour to be asked to co-host the inaugural Football Writers' Festival and to have Johnny Warren's name attached to the event," Jamie Warren said.
"Johnny worked tirelessly to improve football in Australia over many years as a journalist, author and commentator.
"The festival is an event he would be extremely proud of."
A 'Legends Happy Hour' featuring past Socceroos and Matildas players took place on Saturday evening, including Adrian 'Noddy' Alston, Jimmy Fraser, Ron Lord, Danny Moulis, Ray Richards and former Matildas coach Trixie Tagg.
Mr Warren hoped the festival could become an annual event, but said it would "depend on availability... This weekend there is no A-League as it's a FIFA window with international games only".