Nearpost Football: Canberra

Showing posts with label Canberra. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Canberra. Show all posts

Friday, 14 October 2011

Canberra FC miss out on NSW Football - Only the applicants are shocked.

No surprise given their "issues."

But wonder what their response will be.

1.Learn, dynamically rebrand/engage and go again - (requires a massive change of strategy)

2. Head in the sand; and increase Croatian colours and imagery around the ground and celebrate the annual winning of the ACT Premier League thru simply paying more dough.

Sad thing is I reckon I know the answer.

So if this is the case the only option for future entry to NSW league for a Canberra team will be:

1. Belconnen United - most likely.
2. A Woden Valley team - probably way too far away although a merger with CFC at the NSW level, might assist all.
3. or my favourite: Canberra United (could be a merger of Belco, Canberra FC and Woden in some form) would require some nifty footwork to get the brand away from Capital Football but thinking ahead would be great for the game.

But we're not so good at that in Canberra are we, at least not yet - or we wouldn't be without a pathway for boys in 2011 would we - despite having had a number of National football league and NSW teams in the past decades.

Sunday, 20 February 2011

How to win the A-League Youth Title?

Gold Coast United won the A-League Youth title for a second time in a row on the weekend, with two Canberrans Andrew Baresic and Stephen Lustica securing the victory over the AIS.

And if you were wondering how to get your club to win a Youth Title the answer is simple.

Sign a Canberran.

In particular sign Stephen Lustica.

He's just Captained the Gold Coast to their second title, but this is his third in a row. The first with Sydney FC.

The guy has more titles than A-League appearances however. But that's Miron for you I guess.

Sunday, 23 January 2011

Canberra footballer wins Nike Professional Contract - still no pathway in the Capital

FourFourTwo are reporting

ACT starlet Tom Rogic said he was stunned and elated after winning one of eight professional contracts at the Nike Academy in England announced in London on Saturday night.

First Chris Bush gets an A-League contract with the Brisbane Roar - now Tom Rogic scores an amazing contract, one of eight, and he was up against the Rest of the World!

What makes it more amazing is Tom is from Canberra - a city without a Professional Football team, a Professional Youth set-up and only a part-time local football competition.

How many more could Canberra football develop? FFA, Capital Football, ACT Clubs - who dares wins!

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Another Canberran takes a step

Goulburn and Canberra Football ace Chris Bush scores Hyundai A-League deal

No team in Canberra but still we produce plenty of talent!

From the Brisbane Roar website:

Brisbane Roar Youth captain Chris Bush has been rewarded for his inspirational performances in the National Youth League, signing a Hyundai A-League contract with the league leaders until the end of the current season.

A product of the Australian Institute of Sport, Bush was given the opportunity from Head Coach Ange Postecoglou after a spot on the roster opened up following last month’s departure of Brazilian-born striker Reinaldo.

The 18-year-old has worn the skipper’s armband for the Brisbane Roar Youth side in just his first season at the club, a telling indication of his commitment, passion and technical ability according to Postecoglou.

“Bushy has worked hard all year, he’s really earned his spot,” the Brisbane boss said.

“He’s been outstanding for the youth team and really suits our style of game so I’m pleased to have him on board.”

Bush agreed with his coach’s observations, naming the leadership of the youth squad and the belief of the Brisbane Roar coaching staff as the main catalysts to his confidence and in turn, dominant football displays.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I’m appreciative of the chance that Ange has given me,” he said.

“Getting the captaincy made me want to improve more and lead the team well, I think my form in the youth league definitely helped me get this opportunity.”

Not afraid to take control of the midfield battle and a constant menace to opposition defences, Bush has been an integral part of the Brisbane’s National Youth League side’s rise to second place on the ladder.

A similar type of player to current club captain Matt McKay and midfield workhorse Massimo Murdocca, Postecoglou tipped Bush as a star of Brisbane’s future who would flourish under the guidance of the older squad members as the Roar look ahead to their final fixtures of the season.

“We’re giving him an opportunity now, it’s up to him to work hard and take the next step,” he said.

“He’s very similar to Massimo and Matty, they’re busy, hardworking midfielders and good technically as well.”

The Brisbane coach had no doubts that if needed, Bush was more than capable to stepping up to Hyundai A-League level given his high work rate and leadership qualities that he has displayed both in the National Youth League and on the training paddock.

“It’s up to him to keep working hard and with Matty (McKay) at the Asian Cup we don’t really have a lot of depth,” Postecoglou said.

“I guess it’s just about opportunity – he’s been working hard and I’m sure he’ll be ready if one comes his way.”

Bush said if the chance to don a Hyundai A-League jersey fell his way, he wouldn’t let it slip away without a fight.

“If I do get the opportunity, I just want to grab it with both hands.”

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Futsal Comp in Canberra...one day?

AFC Futsal Champs will be held in Iran this year.

NSW Thunder will represent Australia this year having defeated Canberra in the final.

Given the strength of ACT Futsal it wouldn't be hard to see Canberra in the AFC Final...and this tournament held in Canberra.

With the TV viewing figures for Futsal across Asia this is a tournament that could make money.....quickly.

Monday, 19 January 2009

Socceroos to play in CANBERRA!

Release from the FFA below:

The Qantas Socceroos will face Kuwait in their first home match of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage, presented by FOXTEL, at Canberra Stadium on Thursday 5 March 2009 (kick-off 8pm AEDT).

"This is a great opportunity for the people of Canberra to support the Qantas Socceroos in an important Asian Cup qualifier, and also to demonstrate the strength of their football support," said FFA Chief Commercial Officer, John O'Sullivan.

The Qantas Socceroos have been drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage along with Indonesia, Kuwait and Oman. The top two teams from each group of the qualification stage will progress to the AFC Asian Cup 2011 which will be held in Qatar.

ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, welcomed the decision to have the Qantas Socceroos play this important match in the nation's capital.

“This match will be a highlight of the 2009 Sporting calendar in Canberra,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The Qantas Socceroos have captured the imagination of the Australian public and it’s now our turn to show our support. I’d encourage everyone to attend what will be a high quality game of international football and demonstrate to the FFA the strong following that football has in Canberra and the region”.

Australia’s match schedule for qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 involves:

§ 28 January 2009, Indonesia v Australia, Gelong Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia
§ 5 March 2009, Australia v Kuwait, Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia
§ 14 November 2009, Australia v Oman, Venue TBA, Australia
§ 18 November 2009, Oman v Australia, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman
§ 6 January 2010, Kuwait v Australia, International Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait
§ 3 March 2010, Australia v Indonesia, Venue TBA, Australia

Australia needs to finish in the top two places of Group B to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 at the end of this round.

The last time the Socceroos played an international in Canberra was an Oceania Cup match on 1 November 1996 where Australia defeated Tahiti 5-0 in front of crowd of 9,421. The match was also the 84th and final international appearance for the long standing captain and striker Paul Wade. Current Canberra United Westfield W-League coach Robbie Hooker scored the opening goal of the match in the 11th minute.

Tickets for the match will go on sale to the Football Family from 9am (AEDT) Thursday 22 January and to the general public from 9am (AEDT) Friday 23 January from all Ticketek agencies, online and by phone.

All home Qantas Socceroos matches in the qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 are proudly presented by FOXTEL.

All Qantas Socceroos matches are broadcast live and exclusive on FOX Sports.

ENDS

Match Details

AFC Asian Cup 2011 – Qualification Stage – Group B
Australia vs Kuwait
Thursday 5 March, 2009
Kick-Off 8:00pm AEDT (7:30pm ACDT, 7:00pm AEST, 6:00pm AWDT)
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Ticket Prices -
Category A - $60 – all tickets
Category B - $40 Adult, $20 Concession, $100 Family
Category C - $25 Adult, $15 Concession, $65 Family

Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child)
Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards
Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required)
Child - 4–16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)
Family - 2 Adults and 2 Children

On Sale Dates –
9am Thursday January 22, 2009 – Football Family priority offer (one day only)
9am Friday January 23, 2009 - General Public

Web: www.ticketek.com.au
Phone: 132 894
all Ticketek agencies.

Friday, 16 January 2009

Get used to this Kofi!

His goal attracted attention, then his smile, now his abs...and I'm not talking about the Sydney Coach John Kosmina.

Canberra not only produces wonderful footballers it clearly produces wonderful bodies:)

Don't all Canberrans you know look like that!

Kofi could probably make more money from modelling than football..in hthe short-term.
Either way I wish him well, with the sort of scrutiny and comments he's been getting this week he'll need all the luck in the world.

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Socceroos to Canberra

Okay I'm only joking and that's the problem.

Queensland announced a 5 games in 5 years deal yesterday. Adelaide are complaining that their city is missing out.(see below)

But what about Canberra with a heap of Asian Cup Qualifiers coming our way surely Canberra could bid for a game every two or four years.

Anyone even aware the games are up for grabs in Canberra?
Canberra Tourism, Aussport, Canberra Stadium, Canberra Business Council, ACT Government, Canberra Times, ABC Radio, Canberra Airport, all pulling in harmony together on this one....

Facilities cost SA soccer coup
Article from: The Advertiser
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24358781-5006373,00.html
RICHARD EARLE

September 17, 2008 12:30am

A SOCCEROOS fixture bonanza that Football Federation Australia boasts has "put Queensland on the world football map" highlights Adelaide's future as a backwater without a new, multi-purpose stadium.

Armed with top-class Suncorp Stadium as its selling point, a pro-active Queensland Government has persuaded FFA to make Brisbane "the home of the Socceroos". Five blockbuster Australia fixtures have been scheduled until 2013 in the Sunshine State.

The dream deal places Queensland at the coalface of Australia's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Asked if a high-capacity, multi-purpose stadium in Adelaide would make SA competitive in attracting blue-chip Socceroos games, FFA chief executive Buckley said: "The obvious answer is yes.

"That doesn't mean we automatically disqualify the other venues. However, it's consistent with any sport that the better the spectator experience the more likely you are to get increased attendances."

Queensland Government's coup contrasts with the approach of its South Australian counterpart.

Sport Minister Michael Wright said state Labor was pumping $100m into an AAMI Stadium upgrade.

"This revamp will bring AAMI Stadium in line with international standards and it will put SA in a stronger position to compete for major events," Mr Wright said.

However, AAMI Stadium was rejected by AFL fans this season and is widely criticised as unsuitable by other sports.

Buckley said AAMI Stadium met FIFA capacity requirements to host World Cup matches but could struggle to satisfy benchmark expectations in other areas.

"One of the factors FIFA does evaluate is intimacy to the pitch," Buckley said.

"Clearly when matches are played in rectangular venues the fans are closer to the pitch and action and that has a beneficial effect."

Buckley believes Queensland, which hosts a Socceroos World Cup qualifier with Qatar on October 15, is crucial in underlining Australia's multi-city capability to host a World Cup.

"We are actively going to seek the right to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup," he said.

It's understood the best Adelaide can hope for, with B-grade facilities including inadequate Hindmarsh Stadium and AAMI Stadium, is a low-key Asian Cup clash.

"Depending who it is and what time of the year, Adelaide will come into contention," Buckley said.

Mr Wright said the state government had a "strong relationship" with FFA but had not bid for Socceroos matches having previously lured Women's Asian Cup and Olyroo games to Adelaide.

Mr Wright defended SA's investment in sports infrastructure, saying: "The funding contribution to both the AAMI Stadium and Adelaide Oval redevelopments is more cost effective than the Liberals economically irresponsible proposal to spend in excess of $1b building a new stadium."

Thursday, 10 July 2008

900th signature: Matty Collins Belconnen United.

Matty Collins, Belconnen United takes us past the 900 mark. We're heading for 1,000 before Saturday's game.
Canberra..what have you done!!!!!

Monday, 2 June 2008

Alex Tobin to head Mariners Youth Team

And he'll be in Canberra to watch the ACTAS boys play the ACT Rockets in the coming weeks. Will anyone from Canberra get a go in the National Youth League?
Who would more to Gosford for $5000 if you are over 18, or $2500 if you are younger?

And if we had a Canberra Youth Team how many Canberrans would get a go?

Qantas Socceroo legend Tobin to spearhead Mariners’ youth

Central Coast Mariners Development Manager and Qantas Socceroo icon Alex Tobin has had his role with the Mariners expanded to include becoming the head coaching figure of the clubs inaugural National Youth League (NYL) campaign.

Tobin has been integral to the Mariners’ success from day one in his capacity as assistant to Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.

Beyond his duties with the senior Mariners squad, Tobin has been instrumental in implementing and developing the Mariners’ one of a kind Youth Academy structures and talent identification initiatives.

Such is Tobin’s reputation as one of Australia’s foremost emerging coaches, the Qantas Socceroo great was invited to assist Football Federation Australia Technical Director Robert Baan in London last November for the international friendly between Australia and Nigeria.

Tobin’s appointment is an exceptional coup for the Mariners’ maiden NYL charge, where the 42-year-old will lead the Central Coast’s representation alongside fellow foundation Mariners talent Damien Brown.

"We are indeed fortunate to have had a coach and a character such as Alex at our club over the course of the past three Hyundai A-League seasons and we are understandably delighted to have expanded Alex’s role to include taking charge of our first ever NYL squad," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"Alex’s playing record speaks for itself and after only a few years in the coaching arena his reputation away from the pitch has grown considerably and I’m certain that each of our NYL squad members will relish the chance to work under the most capped Qantas Socceroo of all-time."

Tobin was inducted into Football Federation Australia’s Hall Of Fame last year in recognition of his truly unique contribution to the game.

No sportsman or sportswoman of any code in Australia has come close to matching Tobin’s amazing record of national league appearances, which totalled 522 at the time of Tobin’s final National Soccer League (NSL) start for the Northern Spirit in 2004.

Tobin’s last season with the Spirit was his 21st in Australia’s top flight – during which time he claimed three NSL Championships and two Joe Marston Medals for player of the match in an NSL Grand Final.

In the international arena, Tobin’s record is also unparalleled, his 87 ‘A’ international appearances, many of which as captain, seeing him top the list of the most capped Qantas Socceroos of all time.

"It is an honour to have been asked to lead the Mariners’ first ever NYL squad, which represents something very exciting not only for the Central Coast and the Hyundai A-League, but for football in Australia in general," said Tobin.

"I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of very talented young footballers here on the Central Coast and its surrounding regions through our Youth Academy and I’m confident that we can put out a very competitive line up come the kick off the regular season.

"The NYL presents a fantastic chance for Central Coast youngsters to make an impression at an elite level and, equally, a terrific opportunity for myself and Damien Brown to hone our skills in the coaching arena – I’m very much looking forward to the challenge."

Wednesday, 21 May 2008

Kanga Cup: Adem Poric to Coach.

In Kanga Cup news:
Former Sheffield Wednesday and Olyroo player Adem Poric will bring a side from Queensland to play at this years Kanga Cup.

A record 220 teams will play smashing Capital Football expectations.

An SBS Advertising campaign, and increased promotion has lead to the increase in teams.
Teams from Korea (2), Malaysia, New Zealand and India(2) will come to Canberra for the July tournament.

The new Woden Valley Clubhouse will provide the hub for the competition.

And in a Kanga Cup first the Under 10 category have 25 teams entered in the 9 v 9 small sided games version.

And it's hoped the Central Coast Mariners will play Newcastle Jets in a friendly at Canberra Stadium on Saturday July 12. (TBC)

Tuesday, 20 May 2008

India in the new Asian Champions League.

AFC are reporting:

Japan, Korea Republic, Australia, China, Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Iran and India have been confirmed as participants, after a thorough assessment of their eligibility, in the 2009 AFC Champions League to be relaunched on completely professional lines.

Great to see India in there. Looking forward to the relaunch already. How many Aussie teams?

Oh and will Canberra get in...ha ha ha!

Thursday, 1 May 2008

Am I more than this?

Listening into the Teleconference with Socceroos Coach Pim Verbeek this afternoon I decided it was time to ask my first cutting question of the day.

Pim, did you go and see Carl Valeri?

Well, I am from Canberra so thought it very appropriate. And now for my second and final important question.

Have you been to see Scott McDonald at Celtic?

And if you've followed this blog for any length of time those two questions just about sum me up!

Wednesday, 16 April 2008

Canberra:17,000 players...but it's still not enough!

Capital Football's season launch is on today. 17,000 registered players.
A fantastic achievement, make no mistake. Well done to all at Capital Football.
But I want more, and now!

I want an A-League team, A Women's National League team, A Youth team and a Futsal team.

With such existing community involvement and support in Canberra and its surrounds how can my desires, your desires, not come to fruition. Imagine trying to start such a franchise with 3,000 players! This City has what it takes, but something, somewhere is missing.

Let's not blames others, we need to take the initiative, and fast.

Friday, 11 April 2008

The Weekender: Football at the 20/20 Canberra Summit

I attended last Saturday's Canberra 20/20 Summit. This weeks "The Weekender," is my reflections on the summit.

The Weekender guarantees Canberrans can read a football article on a Saturday in their own time, written by one of their own. Email me if you'd like to write football.

“I heard you say football, in the group, and I groaned. But when you started talking about Asia I got it. I’ve just been to Beijing talking about their website for the Olympics, the size of the World Cup they say is bigger than the Olympics, and I realised the numbers and interest in football in Asia. I get what you are saying. Forward a page to Senator Lundy outlining your idea.”

Football at the 20/20 Canberra Summit

Okay, let’s get one thing right.

I wasn’t invited.

Senator Lundy, Former ACTEWAGL CEO John Mackay, Olympian Rob De Castello and all of the Australian National University might have been, but I wasn’t.

I’d sent off my email pointing out the numbers of people playing football and the emerging and increasing possibilities for Canberra linking with Asia through football in the coming years.

And that was deemed worthy of attendance, sort of. 350 delegates plus me.

Kick-Off:

I spotted Gibbo in the Theatre, down the left-wing, Ian Gibson, former Aberdeen FC player, now head of a Computer Academy in Canberra. A good start.

But a slow start, we were quickly herded into teams, but I hadn’t been allocated to a team. Felt a bit like the fat kid at school in PE.

“Why don’t you go to the Economy and IT group. They don’t have many people and you might be able to get your (wacky) idea up there!” smiled one of the Matchday Stewards.

First Half.

Senator Lundy was at my table, impressive, but so were about ten people from the same department at the ANU. Disappointing!

And we talked broadband, pipes, open source and data retrieval and Internet, and free stuff and on and on it went.

So after listening to these very intelligent people discuss their ideas I thought I’d like to hear what they thought about mine.

“Ahem,” I interrupted nervously...not really more obsessively. I’d worn my Socceroos shirt so maybe one of the boffins would possibly make a link to what I was talking about.

Senator Lundy waited for me to speak.

“Football,” I said and I’m sure someone groaned, most of the boffins went off into cyberspace but I rambled on.

And it was a ramble about the benefits of football, to our young people, obesity, to linking with Asia, culturally and through business, and the number of tournaments we could have in Canberra, and the numbers of Canberrans already travelling for football, and well you get the picture.

“Thankyou,” said the Chair and we moved on to other ideas.

“It will just happen, a natural thing,” scorned Mr Computing Software from across the table.

“It needs to be driven,” I shot back.

One ANU man smiled. Was that good?

Another ANU man said, “People don’t need to meet anymore, it’s all done on the net!”

“We will list the three ideas to take to the main hall,” said our chair.

“The second idea (after broadband) was to link with Asia through Business and Sport and .....”

“That’s fine,” I interrupted, “but the idea I put forward concerned football. If the group here want to just say sport, that’s fine, but I would see that as a rejection of the idea I put forward. It’s the potential of football linking with Asia that I see as having real potential,” said the assertive little sokkah man!
And they accepted it!

As we left the table, a women (from the ANU) turned and said, “We’ve got the best Equestrian facilities in Australia.”

“Yeah and everyone in Asia has a pony,” I thought.

Back to the Theatre of Dreams:

The rapporter stood for our group.

“The second idea was linking with Asia through Business and Sport particularly soccer.”

The three hundred and fifty delegates rose as one and shouted, “Chief Minister John Stanhope, get to work on that soccer idea immediately. Abandon this talkfest now, we have our future.”

Actually the Organiser didn’t even write the word soccer on the ideas board. It was gone.

Second Half.

An ANU man ran up to me.

“I heard you say football, in the group, and I groaned. But when you started talking about Asia I got it. I’ve just been to Beijing talking about their website for the Olympics, the size of the World Cup they say is bigger than the Olympics, and I realised the numbers and interest in football in Asia. I get what you are saying. Forward a page to Senator Lundy outlining your idea.”

At drinks:

An Ausport Director came forward.

“Would you be interested in working on a Commonwealth games bid for Canberra.”

My Irish blood stopped its flow just a little.

“There’s no football in the Commonwealth Games,” I bristled.

And later he added, “Hockey is much bigger than football in Asia.”
So I left, I’d achieved nothing and yet everything.

Canberra will get a team, an A-League team, and will push into Asia.

But we’ll have to do it ourselves.

Monday, 7 April 2008

Local tittle tattle?

Here's rumours, news and stuff. Just what you need on a Monday morning.

Central Coast may get to play two pre-season games in Canberrs this year. Sydney FC are a little disorganised it seems with changes to their management structure slowing negotiations.

ACTAS men off to China in June.....read on for more of the same.

Women's league to start in October. A-League based. Six teams. Where does that leave Canberra? No news either way yet.

Canberra 20/20 Summit. We'll I went, wearing my Socceroos shirt, full report later:)

Clive McKillop off to Japan for a Referee's course. (Nice Work Clive)

Over 100 people attended Frank Farina's Coaching clinic!. Held at the AIS at the same time as the Brumbies friday night defeat. I was amazed by the turnout.

ACT Futsal boys side hoping to head to Japan this year.

ACT High Performance Scholarship holder Katrina Neuss got to sit alongside Raiders Coach Neil Henry at last weekend's game. "A few strong words," Neuss laughed, "but a great experience." Already had a session or two with Capitals Coach Carrie Graff. What next? A Brumbies experience?

The Weekender: Football into Asia: What impact on Canberra?

The Weekender is 450-700 words every Saturday on Australian and/or Canberra Football in it's broadest sense. Anyone can write the article. Feel free to contact me with a suggestion.

This week I look at Australia's move into Asia and particularly to assess the impact on Canberra.

And I'm off to the Canberra 20/20 Summit today. And I'm taking my football so everyone knows what I want to talk about:)

Read the Weekender here.

Football into Asia: What impact on Canberra?

On January 1, 2006 Australian Football joined the Asia Football Confederation.

The impact for football in this country has been significant.

The Socceroos now play meaningful games to qualify for the World Cup; the Matildas missed out on Olympic qualification for the first time. Club sides like Sydney FC and Adelaide United travel regularly to play in Indonesia, Japan, Korea and China to play in the Asia Champions League (ACL). Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners have all toured Asian countries since 2006.

More Asian sponsors, like Samsung, are appearing on A-League club shirts.

More than 1200 Urawa Reds fans travelled to watch an ACL game in Sydney. Local Asian communities can be seen supporting Asian teams in ACL.

But you could be forgiven for thinking that this move has had no impact on Canberra. Canberra, as the Guardian reported this week, is one of the few Capital cities in the World without a professional football team.

Even in Canberra the move to Asia has been felt.

Canberra’s two current Socceroos, Carl Valeri and Nikolai Topor-Stanley, cross the globe to China, Jordan, Thailand, North Korea and elsewhere on a regular basis these days.

Some wag suggested Topor-Stanley moved to Perth Glory so he wouldn’t have to travel for ACL games!

Matildas and Young Matildas stars Caitlin Munoz, Lydia Williams, Grace McGrath-Gill, and Amy Chapman are all becoming familiar with Asia. Lydia Williams spent two months in China; firstly playing for the Matildas in the World Cup, then joining her Under 19 team mates for the Asian Cup immediately after.

Chris Bush, Australia under 17, is one of four local boys to represent The Joeys in Japan last year. Chris has just returned from Singapore and the Lion’s Cup. Next stop Uzbekistan in October.

Danny Macor and Trent Flanigan represented Australia in the KL World 5’s in February. Macor would have, I imagine, got the shock of his life to answer the phone in his Singapore hotel to find it was a football writer from Canberra wanting to know how the Futsalroos were going to do Brazil in a few hours time.

They lost 7-0, no surprise there, but 310 million people watched the game across Asia.

ANU stalwart Rod Lynes recently did a phone interview for Nearpost radio giving his impressions of Melbourne Victory play in Bangkok and the Socceroos v China in Kunming. Rod was at both games.

Referees Ben Wilson, Ben Williams and Allyson Flynn blow their whistle across the continent. From Iran to Japan, often in midweek.

Woden Valley under 15 girls side stopped in China for a game two years ago, this year it’s Japan as they head to Denmark for the Dane Cup.

ACTAS boys recently spent ten days playing and training in China.

Andy Munoz, Weston Creek State League One Coach, headed to China to watch his daughter in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Asian pebble has been tossed

While Canberra may not yet have a professional team which travels and plays in Asia. Football Federation Australia’s 2006 move into the AFC is rippling, slowly, across the city.

More and more individuals, and occasionally a team, are saying to their friends, ‘I can’t come to the school play, the party or birthday celebration because I’m off to Asia for football’!

No longer do Canberrans go to Asia to see Bali, to stopover on their way to Europe. Now our young people are going to Asia to train, to play football.

Where will we be in twenty years?

At the moment it is unstructured, unplanned. Individuals and individual clubs building a pathway, a future, a tradition.

A youth team, a women’s team, a Futsal national team, an A-league team. All will come to Canberra in time. All will head to Asia. A Futsal team from Canberra may well play in an Asia League before 2008 is out.

And slowly our club sides, adults and juniors will also look north. Cheaper than Europe, it’s closer too. Our young people mix easily with people from many different cultures. And Asian sides will come here as well. Not just for the Kanga Cup as they already do.

The benefits of Australia moving into Asia may not be immediately apparent, but when you dig deeper there are many Canberrans, learning new routes, making friends with our Northern neighbours.

For our city, our future, this has to be a good thing.
We’ve only just begun.

Friday, 21 March 2008

FFA: Canberra for the A-League?

Slowly but surely.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley is quoted in the Daily Telegraph today discussing future A-League teams. Now in all the time I've been following football, A-League developments, never have I heard the word Canberra mentioned as a possible next team.

So slowly but surely we enter the thinking the race. And with developments this week it is now time for the various parties around Canberra to get working, hastily, on their bids. And may the best bid win:)

Ben Buckley said,

"We've identified a number of areas - Gold Coast, Townsville, west Sydney, Melbourne, Wollongong and Canberra. But I don't see it as a race with the other codes, we've got our own timetable and it's about what's right for football.''

Tuesday, 4 March 2008

Let the Canberra season begin

Until you've shivered on a grassless frozen tundra in a t-shirt at 9.00am as a six year old ,
or fallen heavily on a slippery concrete cricket pitch trying to take a throw in,
or felt the hug of your dad on the sideline,
or waited motionless in Casualty,
or chased a ball down a concrete culvert,
or tried to raise money by selling thin air to the same people you sold it to last weekend... you can't appreciate the spirit of Canberra football.

Canberra's Danny Moulis writing a review for George Hutiker's book Notjustfooty.

Wednesday, 27 February 2008

CANBERRA - LET’S PARTY

Okay steady on. It should read Newcastle. Apparently they are having a party, wasting some taxpayers money on a flyover, getting all the kids out of school for the Jets party and all because they won a football match.

Just thought one day we might like a party in Canberra....well wouldn't you?

Jets media release below.

MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE
NEWCASTLE - LET’S PARTY
THE JETS HAVE WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP!

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor John Tate and Newcastle City Council will join with the Jets to celebrate their inaugural Hyundai A-League Championship win on Thursday 28th February from 3.30pm in front of City Hall. And will it be a celebration!

The RAAF at Williamtown will do a fly over of the celebrations by three FA18’s, the victorious players and coaching staff will be introduced to the waiting crowd, the Hyundai A-League Trophy will be on display and commemorative merchandise will be available.

“This result is so fantastic for Newcastle and the Hunter, the Jets have certainly done us all proud. I encourage everyone to come to Civic Park and let the boys know how much this result means to the City,” said Lord Mayor, Councillor John Tate.

“We want to see as many school children and supporters there as possible to say thank you to the Jets for making us all so proud,” said Councillor Tate.

“It is also great to see the RAAF at Williamtown want to be involved with this celebration and we thank them for volunteering to do the flyover. The team are called the Newcastle Jets as a tribute to the RAAF base at Williamtown.”

A police directed road closure of King Street will be in effect between Darby and Auckland Streets, to ensure public safety.

Due to other commitments following the official celebration, the players will be unable to sign autographs. The team will resume training on March 5, and all sessions will be open to the public and fans are encouraged to come along and get their items signed.

Media only information and key timings:

2pm
Media permitted in to the Civic Reception in the Hunter Room at City Hall for player and official guest interviews.

This will be the ONLY place players will be available for one on one interviews.
Entrance to this area will be via ONE door only – all other entrances in to City Hall will be closed off.
Please enter City Hall via the entrance off Wheeler Place.

Due to tight security - ALL media will need to RSVP their attendance to Eclipse Media & Events and will need to wear their FFA Media Accreditation to ensure they are permitted access into City Hall.
If you do not have this accreditation, please advise us and it will be organised for you.
Limited parking will be available – please advise if this will be required.

3.30pm
Official Celebration on the Steps of Newcastle City Hall
A three metre area in front of the stage has been organised for media as well as a camera and photographer’s platform in front of the Cenotaph in Civic Park (facing City Hall)
Due to security issues no cameras will be permitted on the stage.

3.45pm approx
FA18 Flyer over
THE JETS HAVE WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP!

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor John Tate and Newcastle City Council will join with the Jets to celebrate their inaugural Hyundai A-League Championship win on Thursday 28th February from 3.30pm in front of City Hall. And will it be a celebration!

The RAAF at Williamtown will do a fly over of the celebrations by three FA18’s, the victorious players and coaching staff will be introduced to the waiting crowd, the Hyundai A-League Trophy will be on display and commemorative merchandise will be available.

“This result is so fantastic for Newcastle and the Hunter, the Jets have certainly done us all proud. I encourage everyone to come to Civic Park and let the boys know how much this result means to the City,” said Lord Mayor, Councillor John Tate.

“We want to see as many school children and supporters there as possible to say thank you to the Jets for making us all so proud,” said Councillor Tate.

“It is also great to see the RAAF at Williamtown want to be involved with this celebration and we thank them for volunteering to do the flyover. The team are called the Newcastle Jets as a tribute to the RAAF base at Williamtown.”

A police directed road closure of King Street will be in effect between Darby and Auckland Streets, to ensure public safety.

Due to other commitments following the official celebration, the players will be unable to sign autographs. The team will resume training on March 5, and all sessions will be open to the public and fans are encouraged to come along and get their items signed.

Media only information and key timings:

2pm
Media permitted in to the Civic Reception in the Hunter Room at City Hall for player and official guest interviews.

This will be the ONLY place players will be available for one on one interviews.
Entrance to this area will be via ONE door only – all other entrances in to City Hall will be closed off.
Please enter City Hall via the entrance off Wheeler Place.

Due to tight security - ALL media will need to RSVP their attendance to Eclipse Media & Events and will need to wear their FFA Media Accreditation to ensure they are permitted access into City Hall.
If you do not have this accreditation, please advise us and it will be organised for you.
Limited parking will be available – please advise if this will be required.

3.30pm
Official Celebration on the Steps of Newcastle City Hall
A three metre area in front of the stage has been organised for media as well as a camera and photographer’s platform in front of the Cenotaph in Civic Park (facing City Hall)
Due to security issues no cameras will be permitted on the stage.

3.45pm approx
FA18 Flyer over

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