He was speaking to the Australian Missionary News anchorman Mark Tronson on IPTV (Internet Protocol Television). This 'Television on the Internet' live interview with Gerry Gomez can be found at Australian Missionary News and Safe Worlds
When asked what is was like standing in the middle of the field singing the national anthem for the first time as a Soceroo in 1986, Gomez replied: "It was unbelievable. standing before so many people singing my national anthem at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to play against Tottenham (English Premier League) with so many international stars."
Gerry Gomez, who was born in Costa Rica, then discussed how his father came to Australia under Amnesty International which led three years later for his five brothers and six sisters to migrate. The twelve still live in Sydney.
"I became a Christian while playing soccer for Marconi (National Soccer League) and a friend suggested I use my non-soccer time fruitfully and study at Morling (NSW Baptist College)," Gerry answered in response to a question posed by Mark Tronson.
"I completed Old Testament and New Testament studies over a two year course 1987-88. This has stood me well in my personal ministry with all those with whom I've come in contact, whether they be athletes, business colleagues or football associates," he added.
In 1988 Gerry Gomez was with Mark Tronson as part of an Australian contingent to a Sports Ministry World Congress held in Seoul, Korea over the Olympic period.
"That was a remarkable time. I met with numerous people engaged in sports ministry from around the world. It was humorous when so many people confused me with Carl Lewis, and it didn't help that my Australian colleagues referred to me as 'Carl Lewis' as an Aussie-style joke. Even my mother-in-law saw me on the television news and thought I was Carl Lewis," Gerry bemoaned with a smile.
"The conference was an inspirational experience."
Mark Tronson asked Gerry Gomez about his role as Spiritual Advisor to the Sydney Football Club (A-League).
"This happened several years ago when I enquired whether I might be of assistance as an 'ear' especially after one of my soccer playing colleagues took his own life. I was well known, and they knew I was a committed Christian and Bible College trained. This is a very quiet long term ministry.
"The new coach is from Czechoslovakia and it seems I may have played against him when the Socceroos toured in 1988 (before the Wall came down). I find this astonishing, and he is very pleased to have me aboard," Gerry Gomez commented.
As a finale, Gerry Gomez explained that his coaching business centres on helping youngsters learn the game. The new coach of the Sydney Football Club is keen to feed in these youngsters from my clinic to the SFC's youth nurturing program.
"I went on a Coaching Clinic Mission to Sri Lanka five years ago which turned my thinking around to ascertain how I might use my soccer background and ministry together," Gerry Gomez explained.