Ian Hunter (soccer)
Ian Hunter is an Australian former soccer player who played in the National Soccer League for Blacktown City, Marconi and Penrith City. He represented Australia at youth and senior international level, captaining the under-20 national team and playing one full international match for the senior national team.
Club career
Hunter played youth football for Penrith RSL and Penrith United before joining Blacktown City ahead of their entry into the NSL in 1980.Hunter made his National Soccer League debut for Blacktown City in 1980. In 1981, he transferred to Marconi before a stint at Penrith City. Hunter stayed with Penrith City as they returned to the NSW State League in 1986. He again represented the team in 1987. which by then was known as Uruguayan Penrith. He returned to Blacktown City in 1991.
International career
In 1978, he toured with the Australian Schoolboy team that played in the United States and Canada.Hunter played for the Australian under-20 team in 1978 in 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship qualifying matches against Papua New Guinea and New Zealand as well as in a friendly match against Vardar Skopje.
In 1979 Hunter toured with an Australian under-20 team that played matches against a number of club and national youth teams. He played in wins against Hertha Zehlendorf in Wollongong, Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro and a draw against Israel in Paraguay.
Hunter made his full international debut for Australia at the 1980 OFC Nations Cup against Papua New Guinea at the age of 18 years and 200 days. Hunter came on as a substitute at half time in the match before scoring three goals in an 11–2 win for Australia. In four matches at the tournament, including three B international matches, Hunter scored five goals tying with Eddie Krncevic as leading goalscorer.
In 1981, he played four matches as captain of the Australia under-20 team that made the quarter-finals of the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship held in Australia. He scored a goal in Australia's opening match of the tournament against Argentina, a match Australia won 2–1.