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Joined March 2017
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Full time footy dad. Aghast at the so called \"pathway\" available learn to Canberra kids.
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Right on. I agree with everything you say. Unfortunately the FFA is both too timid and too bureaucratic (ie incompetent).
I say, build what you suggest, and they will come. A League Del Piero and Honda fans, stalwart NPL fans, community footballers and their families and friends, and average Ausies who like exhilarating competitions of any kind.
The AFL is impregnable, but the NRL and Rugby are going out backwards on the basis of week to week crowds and ratings (leaving aside showpieces). What an opportunity off the back of interest in the EPL and World Cups.
Imagine what could be done if we could grow our own Del Pieros and Honda’s!
Promotion and relegation is the shake-up the A-League needs
The players can’t be faulted. They tried their guts out. They did not lack for quality, skill or application.
The Dutch style game plan is just wrong. Even Jamaica got in behind for goodness sake.
Australia is not the Netherlands, a compact nation with an embedded football culture playing in the strongest confederation.
Heads must roll at FFA, not only for mis-managing the Matilda’s program. The Dutch disease has to go. It has ruined our representative teams and our elite junior development. Name the player that has followed the “pathway” to the Socceroos without going overseas?
Australian football deserves better.
Matildas knocked out by Norway in penalty shoot-out
“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.
How does Canberra get in on the A-League action?
I’m sick of hearing what can’t be done. Details aside, you gotta try.
Promotion and relegation is the shake-up the A-League needs