The people of Canberra have got right behind the Brumbies, Raiders, the Giants and Canberra United in the W-League. But fans of the A-League can forget about it.
If you are lucky, a local National Premier Leagues (NPL) team may get through a couple of rounds of the FFA Cup and draw an A-League side, like Canberra Olympic did in the 2016-17 season.
Looking at most major leagues across Europe, Asia and the US, Canberra is the only capital city that does not have a team in their domestic league.
Attracting high profile games in Canberra
State governments are willing to pay large sums of cash to bring in sporting events, and the ACT government is no different.
The ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, a self-confessed sports fan, is also the Minister for Tourism and Special Events. He knows high-profile sporting events generate significant economic benefits, filling hotels and restaurants, and bring tourism dollars.
His government has made it a priority to attract quality sporting events on a regular basis. Only last month, they announced that Canberra will host the 2017 Anzac Test at GIO Stadium. The Government had been trying since 2013 to bring another Kangaroos game to Canberra.
Wallabies fans also have something to look forward to this year, when they play Argentina at GIO Stadium in September as part of the Rugby Championship. The Test will be the first time that Canberra has hosted the Wallabies since 2010.
The last Socceroos game in Canberra was April 2016, when Australia beat Kyrgyzstan in front of a crowd of almost 20,000. The government is currently evaluating the potential of hosting one of the qualifying matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The ACT government is not only interested in bringing in football games in the territory. In 2015, they signed a four-year agreement with Cricket Australia to host either a one-day international or a Twenty20 international featuring the Australian cricket team every summer from 2015-16 to 2018-19.
Domestic competitions
In 2012, it was reported that the ACT government paid the Raiders $1.4 million in appearance fees and $500,000 in payroll tax concessions. Similar agreements are likely to exist with the Brumbies.
In relation to the AFL, Canberra always struggled to get teams to play regular games, but that changed with the creation of Greater Western Sydney, with the ACT Government signing a $23 million, ten-year agreement for the Giants to play three competition games and one pre-season game in the ACT.
Six years into the agreement, GWS have built a loyal support base in Canberra.
Lack of national domestic football games
Canberra has a long history with football.
The Arrows and Cosmos played in their respective national competitions. The legendary Johnny Warren even played in the nation’s capital and argued that Canberra should have a team in the national competition right up to his death.
But we don’t and will not for the foreseeable future.
Since the commencement of the A-League in 2005-06, Canberra has hosted two Central Coast Mariners games in 2009 and a further two in the 2016-17 season.
All four matches were played in front of paltry crowds of less than 6000 – a surprise given 20,000 fans turned up to watch the Socceroos play Kyrgyzstan. Canberrans also came out in force during the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, with Canberra Stadium almost seliing out on several occasions.
So where did these fans disappear? Was it the lack of association with the Central Coast? Was it that the Mariners were near the bottom of the ladder? No marquee players? Was it the lack of building a rapport with the community through school visits or junior clubs? Lack of advertising? Or was it just because it was not a Canberra team?
Whatever the reason, it sends a signal to the FFA about the potential success of a standalone Canberra team in the A-League.
Late last year, Phil Brown, Capital Football’s CEO, ruled out a bid for an A-League licence, telling Fairfax Media after the first Mariners game, “Capital Football isn’t preparing a bid for the A-League. We’d support any organisation or we’d love to have a chat to anyone who was looking to put one in.”
Ever since the Mariners played those two games in 2009, Capital Football has been more supportive of pursuing a relationship with an existing A-League team rather than developing a strategic blueprint to bring a Canberra team into the A-League.
Two drivers likely to be behind the decision were A-League4Canberra suspending its efforts to secure a licence after it became clear that the FFA was not going to award a licence to Canberra, and the FFA CEO’s comments in 2015 that Canberra did not have the population base to sustain a team.
According to Fairfax, David Gallop said the FFA’s desire was for expansion clubs to be based in cities of populations in the millions as opposed to in the hundreds of thousands.
But there are only five cities with a population in excess of one million people in the whole country. Canberra comes in eighth for size, just behind Newcastle-Maitland, which has a team in the A-League. Surely Wollongong, Geelong and Hobart, which have shown strong interest in a licence and have around 200,000 people less than Canberra, should put a stop to their proposals?
The language coming out of the FFA suggests it is only interested in capital city derbies, which are good for TV ratings and broadcasting contracts, rather growing football across the country.
A Canberra team in the A-League would provide fans with their own team, a marketing opportunity to promote both the women’s and men’s game through back-to-back games, and a pathway for our young players to play at the highest level.
These advantages are in addition to the economic benefits.
But if Capital Football are not pursuing a standalone Canberra team, the only way forward is through a long-term strategic relationship with an existing team.
Western Sydney would have been a better fit, given the proximity (like GWS), but the Wanderers are unlikely to give up any home games due to local support selling out its stadium.
The Mariners have played four games here, as well as a number of pre-season friendlies with NPL teams. The have conducted coaching clinics for coaches and young players, while players have also come down to offer advice at the Kanga Cup.
The Central Coast Mariners become the obvious choice.
A strategic partnership to bring football to Canberra
To make it happen requires someone taking a leadership role to bring all three key parties together.
The ACT Government needs to stump up some serious cash. We are not talking about underwriting one game a year for the Mariners and Wellington Phoenix to play in Canberra under a ‘sister-city’ relationship. As with the other football codes, football fans expect the ACT government to find upwards of $2 million a year to support the Central Coast Mariners.
Capital Football needs to do more than just providing a narrative around strengthening relationships between the Mariners and supporting the development of football in Canberra. Dedicating significant resources for the W-League, the NPL and National Youth league is not enough, given the fees that junior and senior footballers pay into their coffers each year.
It’s time that Capital Football does more to support the Central Coast Mariners, including signing a memorandum of understanding with clear objectives.
Any talk by the Mariners of playing just two games in Canberra under a long-term strategic partnership is not enough. The club plays at least 13 home games a season, so if it want to replicate the Giants’ success in Canberra, then local football fans expect at least three games a year in the season proper.
But the Mariners need to entice fans to the stadium through school visits, training camps and other activities, thus raising their profile in Canberra. Playing higher profile games, against a Sydney or Melbourne team, would also help.
FFA expansion delayed
The FFA announced on February 28 a delay in the expansion of the A-League for a further 18 months because of concerns about the sport’s financial standing.
The decision to delay expansion buys Capital Football and the ACT government room to think about the best model to bring regular A-League games to Canberra fans.
In all likelihood the FFA expansion will result in giving A-League licences to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane teams. Pursuing a standalone team for Canberra will result in further disappointment.
The best way forward is striking an agreement with the Mariners. If that fails, football will continue to be the ugly duckling of all four codes played in Canberra.
But Capital Football may just surprise us all and announce that Canberra has joined the ranks of New York, Salzburg, Brasil and Leipzig to become ‘Red Bull Canberra’ in an expanded A-League, as Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz enlarges his football operations to Australia.
For Canberra fans of the round ball, don’t hold your breath.
Capitalcritic
Guest
Mark, your analysis is spot on in terms of the way you frame it. The way I see it, someone will need to drag Capital and the FFA kicking and screaming, into the fold. The Southern Expansion proposal, which may or may not get up, at least has got the backing of three associations AND the attention of the FFA and the football community. Someone needs to get a steering group together with money, connections and football smarts to plot a way forward in spite of Capital's lifeless ineptitude. Ought not be too difficult to at least have a go in a national capital, eh.
Capitalcritic
Guest
Yeah, you are right about remuneration. I can believe what you say about being the the worst association, based on what I see online and the club facilities I saw at the Aust Schools comp in Rockingham, WA.
Mark
Guest
Sadly I think A-League in Canberra is on a self-defeating cycle and I can't see anything coming over the horizon to break it. The FFA have demonstrated complete disregard for the possibility of an A-League team in Canberra. In return, Canberrans demonstrate total indifference to the A-League. The FFA see that indifference and it strengthens their view to not give Canberra an A-League team, which only serves to strengthen the indifference Canberrans have for the A-League. The arrangement with the Central Coast Mariners to play matches in Canberra has been a total disaster and unless all parties involved are committed to putting a lot more work into it in future I don't see any point in continuing it. The two matches the Mariners chose to move included their lowest drawing fixture (Phoenix) and another of their lowest drawing fixtures, of whom, to make matters worse, were on the bottom of the ladder when the match was played (Adelaide). The Mariners have only done the most marginal work to build a presence in Canberra and neither the Mariners nor Capital Football did any serious promotion of the matches in the weeks before they were played. Unless the Mariners are willing to move a higher drawing fixture to Canberra in future, are willing to do more on the ground engagement in Canberra throughout the year and both they and Capital Football are willing to do more work to promote any matches in Canberra, they shouldn't bother with continuing the arrangement. The possibility of a Canberra A-League team is a microcosm of the difficult decision the FFA faces with expansion. Considered in isolation, Canberra has a suitable rectangular stadium and strong FFA Cup attendances against A-League teams are an obvious plus. Looking at following of other sports as a signal for the likelihood that Canberrans will get out to watch an A-League team, solid attendances for the Raiders are a plus, although attendances have been very low when the Raiders are doing poorly and the recent abysmal attendances for the Brumbies, even as they have been doing okay on the field and in what is supposed to be a union heartland, are concerning. I don't think it is fair to read too much into the poor attendances for the Mariners' matches here, however they can't be completely ignored. When you compare a Canberra A-League team against other possible new entrants, though, I really don't see how you can say it is a significantly worse option compared to any of the others being put forward. Realistically, I think a Canberra A-League team will initially get 5-6k members. That is obviously lower than what the FFA would like. However, almost all of them would be new members, since the number of Canberrans that currently have memberships for A-League clubs is probably extremely small. I don't think new teams in Wollongong, South Sydney (inc. Wollongong), Brisbane, Geelong, Casey/Dandenong or Tasmania would do any better, plus for some of those a significant proportion of the members would be transfers from existing clubs (people who bought a Sydney FC membership buying a South Sydney membership instead). If you consider the population size being catered for, Canberra (including the Queanbeyan region) is smaller than South Sydney and Brisbane, but unlike those has a clear geographical identity, and is larger than Wollongong, Geelong and Tasmania. Ultimately, I very much doubt there will be an A-League team coming to Canberra anytime soon. I think the FFA would rather take a punt on two new franchises in South Sydney and Brisbane, which are very high risk but also have a higher upside if everything goes well, than go to Canberra. Canberra investors who could back an A-League team were burned from the previous bid and aren't willing to go through the process again, while Capital Football is content with its current comfortable existence and lacks the ambition and determination to drive an A-League bid.
CapitalCritic2
Guest
Mate, Capital football is extremely frustrating. I've played in multiple different associations with, at a very high level and lower level, 1st grade club and reserve grade club competitions. Capital football is by far the most expensive and poorest run association I have ever been involved with. It is not surprising that they do not have a forward thinking plan or a long term plan. It seems that their sole focus is remuneration for themselves.
FootOverHand
Guest
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4526184/eagles-giving-nnsw-voice-on-new-stage/
Capitalcritic
Guest
Absolutely. My son is with Ray Junna, probably the best youth development coach in Australia. However Capital Football's Canberra United Academy frowns on outside coaching. The sad thing is they follow the curriculum which says that by 13 players have developed all the skills. So they don't need to continue skills development.
c
Roar Rookie
as the father of a talented boy it must be very frustrating for you
Franko
Guest
Given the Cosmos, and strong left leanings of the ACT there has never been a better time for Red Star Canberra to enter the competition. A strong platform of uniting the people and inclusiveness can be the hallmark of the team from the capital. #RedStarCanberra
pacman
Guest
A couple of thoughts: 1. Brasilia, capital of Brazil, did not have a major league club last time I looked. Third Division highest from memory; 2. The crowds quoted for international matches and A-League matches indicates that Canberra has the regular Australian percentage of "event goers". I played a season in the ACT Federation in, from memory, 1968. The Federation boasted it was the strongest NSW league outside of Sydney. Not in NSW, but in any case, Newcastle was much stronger. A long period of stagnation, methinks.
Mickyo
Guest
GWS averaged just under 13k at Manuka last year, that is not 'so so' that is a very high % of Manukas capacity
saul
Guest
No the real question is are the FFA really, really committed to expansion
Ken Spacey
Guest
So f'ootball fans are supposed to be impressed by the ACT govt giving money to prop up the AFL franxhise that barely represents Western Sydney? The amount of money given to a team hundreds of miles away is ridiculous and shows the classic we;ll take an A-League team as a backup plan. I also question this enthusiasm for football or anything else that the ACT has. Giants crowds are only so so when they go there. Now if the ACT govt want to offer the FFA $23 Million and a stadium -you're in. I'm not saying HAL or any code should get exclusivity but it maybe Canberra is too small to have a team in every major football code. Tasmania is similar in that the question for them is back the HAL offer or sit around hoping the AFL will give you a real club. Maybe the real question for the FFA is who really, really wants in with their heart and their money.
ATL UTD
Guest
Dont we just have to wait for Frank Lowy to die, since he is always going to veto CBR for whatever reason?
Capitalcritic
Roar Rookie
"For Canberra fans of the round ball, don’t hold your breath." I fully agree, Alistair. I see Capital asleep at the wheel, drifting on in mediocrity, existing to serve itself. Where is the vision for football in Canberra? Where is the plan to get there, or anywhere? To where does the "pathway" lead for Canberra boys? Girls have United. Look for plans on the Capital website! "Game development" = platitudes. "About us" reveals a list of services that do not include building the sport in Canberra. I shouldn't get started on the "Strategic Plan 2016 to 2019." Note the three year limit. The Plan is proudly buried on the web site under "Policy and Procedures." There is no mention of the A League. I find the plan a turgid bureaucratic document. It fleshes out a bland "be the biggest local sport" vision and four meaningless "strategic priorities" with no doubt worthy and necessary actions, targets and "success measures (seemingly plucked from thin air)." The Plan gives no sense of what the football landscape will be in three years, let alone anything longer term. As the father of a talented boy on The Pathway, I am appalled by both the way and the destination. How many go via the AIS to the A League, let alone the national team? The curriculum-bound Academy programme is not even the best available in Canberra. The coaches are good, but do they have the experience to take players to the next level? Is there any evidence that they do? If not, why not? Worse, the programme appears to be simply a revenue source for Capital. I would like to see the accounting for the $1,800 + fees. AFL kids play virtually for free. Kids only get to be good if their parents are cashed-up or make great sacrifices. How many do we lose prematurely. A cashed up A League operation overcomes many deficiencies our setup: pathways, facilities, inspiration. So, how to get one? I believe in thinking big. Have a look at the Southern Expansion proposal. Ambitious. Ticks most boxes. Brings money into the broader game, due to financial backing. Forget government funding replete with strings. Forget local or even national business backing. In Canberra we have a fabulous asset. We are the national capital. There must be big money out there (China?) for the links the game can provide to the Canberra community with its national and international influence. Surely Capital football needs to go to the next level.
Waz
Guest
Not a chance, if we rely on the absence of competition to justify a team then we're missing the point - a new HAL entry must be based on football reasons alone not what competitors are doing. If the brumbies go tomorrow we still don't have a compelling vision or bid from Canberra, just more sulking.
Agent11
Guest
If the Brumbies get the axe then suddenly Canberra may look more attractive for the A League.
Chopper
Guest
If Canberra wants a team in the A League how about they get their act together an d put forward a concrete proposal which should include the ACT governments contribution of $2m plus per annum. Perhaps the Federal Government could throw a few bob in as they maintain the town. Capital football is a joke.
Waz
Guest
If mariners want to play in Canberra they should just relocate. If Canberra wants a team enough get on and raise a compelling bid and stop with the sulking. If Canberra wants to get behind its W league side try crowds of a few thousand instead of a few hundred
League table speaks
Guest
By winning promotion via the second division. Oh wait.....