I know that with the current demise of the Fury, everyone is coming up with solutions for how the A-League should expand. I have a simple solution that should alleviate a number of problems, whilst still allowing the A-League to expand.
In the past, I wrote an article on this site about getting neighbouring State League clubs to merge.
This will help create almost “Super Clubs,” with the resources from all clubs and fan-bases already established, and the clubs would have a head-start in their chosen market.
Needless to say, it was met with less optimism than expected.
My new proposal, however, will require some vision and forward planning from the FFA, which at this stage, I don’t think they are capable of.
It’s really quite simple: you have your consortium who win their bid. I’ll use Western Sydney as an example (let’s call them Western Sydney United).
They are not to be admitted until, say, around 2015, along with the other bidder. Until then, the A-League remains the same in terms of numbers.
In 2012, they begin by starting their club out at park-level under their name of Western Sydney United.
This can be done in two ways: the first is their club is present in every single district of their catchment (such as Blacktown district, Parramatta district, and so on) or they could choose one area in one district only, such as Cecil Hills (which has its obvious disadvantages, but they are able to create a stronger identity within that one region), with teams from ages under eights until under 18s.
In 2013, they admit a team in the national youth league, hopefully with a handful of players that currently play with the club.
In 2014, the club now has moved up to the State League, with some graduating youth players as well as some future fringe players already present.
In 2015, they are admitted to the A-League.
Their clubs at park level change their name to Western Sydney United Juniors. The club has now got a catchment ranging from under eights to the A-League, including a State League club for their reserves to play in.
They will have strong links with the local community because it’s a club that is in the face of the locals every day. The people will be able to say, “I have played for Western Sydney,” despite their playing ability.
In addition to all this, they will have five years to gather sponsors from when they are admitted to the A-League.
The main point about all this is 50 percent ownership of the club will be through fans, in a similar way to Ebbsfleet United is, where fans can buy shares in the club and elect a representative for the board.
The fans will vote on all decisions in relation to the club.
The other 50 percent ownership will be divided into two, where you will have two owners who own 25 percent each.
At no point in time is there to be any less than two owners (there can be more), so as to give fans the controlling stake but the financial clout and contracts to the owners.
Cappuccino
Guest
The creation of a 'B'-League that contains current and future A-League clubs is a poor idea, for a number of reasons: 1. It defeats the point of the National Youth League, instead of young talent playing in the league you will have older squad members or old players returning from injury. 2. The league itself won't be viable. The current NYL isn't there for TV coverage or crowds. Your proposal seems to indicate that this 'B'-League would be a commercial operation, aiming to bring in crowds, sponsors and TV money. If that is the case, it will fail badly. Crowds wouldn't be much better than the current NYL (we're talking 1000 people and lower). No major TV stations would be interested in covering the league- a 2nd Division that involves the same teams as the first division but with worse players is not an attractive commercial offering. 3. What happens when expansion stops? The A-League will have to stop expanding at some point, and what will happen to the B-League then? The simple solution is to start expansion teams with a YOUTH team in the NYL (and possibly a women's team in the W-League). The senior team can then enter the A-League the next year.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
This is the exact model the AFL have used in setting up Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney. For example: Gold Coast were established, played in the TAC Cup (2009), then the VFL (2010), finally entering the AFL in a couple of weeks time. Western Sydney will spend this year in the AFL Canberra league and NEAFL/Foxtrel Cup before entering the AFL in 2012. Its a great way to go IMO
cbowden9000
Roar Rookie
Fantastic article Jaymz. Some brilliant ideas suggested. If only the FFA could think long-term like this.
NathFC
Guest
I agree with you totally. Here is wht I wrote on another topic. To avoid a NQF episode again I believe that the youth league should be the second division. Those A League clubs with youth teams would be now be known as Brisbane Roar ‘B’ (same as in Spain) So therefore new teams can have a couple of seasons to get there systems and finances in order before being put up to the A League. Current A leagues sides will still have to field a youth team but for those new clubs they will be free to play a team with no age restrictions. A salary cap will be in place maybe 60% of the A Leagues. Also the start up costs will be a lot lower than the current A Leagues $4 – 8 million. A TV deal could be sold to SBS or another FTA channel but within that deal could be an A League highlights package or A League games on delayed coverage. So it makes it worth there while. Plus this will give the Aussie public a second televised final series and will give more players a chance to play professional football. Plus those teams who are struggling finacially can drop down to the second league. Similar to the MLS
RedOrDead
Roar Guru
Sooo....you just want Western Sydney United to pull all these players for all these teams (from under 8s to under 18s) out of...where? Thin air? I think it'll be even simpler if Western Sydney United start in the National Youth League in the first season and straight into the A-League in the second season. The financials can stay as you explained. The reason I think this is better and simpler is because you wouldn't want Western Sydney United playing against teams (in the State League) who Western Sydney United themselves will need to call upon their opponents' supporters once they enter the A-League. Why would Sydney Olympic, Marconi, Sydney United et al supporters go for Western Sydney United in the A-League when they are their arch-nemesis in the State League? It's kind of like what Victory have done in Melbourne, Victory in Melbourne are represented by the Victorian Training Centre (VTC) in the VPL. VTC two nights ago defeated South Melbourne FC 3-2! Do you think South Melbourne supporters (who don't already follow a team in the A-League) are more likely to go for Victory or Heart in the A-League? I would say Melbourne Heart is the better bet because they don't compete against them and thus have no animosity or 'negative emotions' against Heart. Seriously, simple as that; first season, enter the NYL. Second season enter the A-League. Of course their young side will be boosted by a few big name signings and a small injection of experience when entering the A-League ;-)
Hadmeister
Guest
Like it!!! It won't happen though -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.