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How will the surging growth and popularity of the A-League impact upon other sports in this country?
I believe the other codes will suffer as a result of football’s rise.
One such area is talent recruitment.
Football has always suffered here because our base of talent from which to draw on has been very small.
In the past the game has rarely had first choice of the best athletes, essentially the only people who have sought a career in football are those who family and culture are steeped in the game.
We know people like Adam Goodes and the Waugh brothers both played football yet chose to pursue a career in AFL and cricket, respectively.
I wonder how many other people made this choice?
I admit it is pure conjecture as to whether they would have been successful.
However imagine the pool of talent football would have to choose from if our professional league was as old as Australian rules or rugby league.
Generations of Aussie kids steeped in the knowledge and traditions of the game. Thousands of talented teenagers who have excelled in most sports confidently choosing the round ball game as the one to make their mark.
People know the A-:eagle exists and talented sportsmen know they can play in it and have a lucrative career.
The more gifted also know they can use it as a launch pad for greater things if they desire.
I know different sports will attract different body types.
I couldn’t imagine a Buddy Franklin, Paul Gallen or Israel Folau choosing football as their profession.
However as the A-League continues to attract fans, sponsors and players, I believe the game will also start to attract the best this nation has to offer.
Watch the Socceroos when that happens!
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