World Cup Watch - AU Represents

[bpowell454]

Lots of mention about the role the A-league has played in our success at this world cup. One thing I was thinking about today, it seems crazy now that Leckie was rejected by Melbourne Victory before finding his way to us. Goodwin rejected by Adelaide united and having to play Victorian NPL before joining Melbourne Heart. Volpato rejected by Sydney and WSW only to become a Serie A player at a top team and rejecting the socceroos.

The league definitely isn't as bad as some Euro snobs will lead you to believe but we've got a long way to go still in regards to prohibitive costs for young players and talent recognition. What is the balance for promoting youth and including minimum numbers of young Australians vs attractive and entertaining football that brings crowds and viewers? I feel like the answer is a strong second division but I still don't think it's a sustainable option.

Just something I've been pondering today.

[sevengoals]

Lots of mention about the role the A-league has played in our success at this world cup. One thing I was thinking about today, it seems crazy now that Leckie was rejected by Melbourne Victory before finding his way to us. Goodwin rejected by Adelaide united and having to play Victorian NPL before joining Melbourne Heart. Volpato rejected by Sydney and WSW only to become a Serie A player at a top team and rejecting the socceroos.

The league definitely isn't as bad as some Euro snobs will lead you to believe but we've got a long way to go still in regards to prohibitive costs for young players and talent recognition. What is the balance for promoting youth and including minimum numbers of young Australians vs attractive and entertaining football that brings crowds and viewers? I feel like the answer is a strong second division but I still don't think it's a sustainable option.

Just something I've been pondering today.

You're right.
The only way to grow the sport down there is to grow the sport.
We need a second division and the sooner the better.

[Rojos]

2nd division or more teams means more opportunities. Archie Thompson started at Morwell, Zelic at Canberra, Chippers & Sterjovski at Gong and so on. Look at what CCM have provided to the Socceroos this last decade. The NSL had either 2 conferences or >14 teams most of the time.

You need some clubs on tight budgets in rural areas to give more opportunities. Bring on Canberra, Gong, Tas, FNQ I say.


Anyway, back to this world cup...... Goodwins of Fire indeed!
Can't see him playing for AU in 2022 at least as he'll come home injured.

[Stuckey]

I'd love to see the game come up with a marketing strategy along the tone of this classic quote that Marilyn probably didn't even say.



If you're someone who enjoyed seeing us do well on the world stage. Then get along to the odd A-League game each season and play your part in helping it continue.

One good aspect of the World Cup occurring during this time of year is that the A-League season is only a week away, not 3 months like usual. I'm certainly going to hassle all my mates who showed massive interest in the World Cup that never get to games to head along.
I think all long standing Football fans should do what they can to keep this momentum rolling for the game and hopefully we can at least get the game back to post 2006 WC status. Could be as simple as casting the net a bit wider when asking who is heading to the game coming up.