Socceroos impact on Canberra

Thanks to Michael West for the photo.

So we cracked the 20,000 mark for football in Canberra. And as many naysayers reminded me before the game this was "only the A-League Socceroos," a reference perhaps to why they wouldn't go or why we wouldn't get a crowd.

The FFA were delighted and surprised by the size of the crowd and indeed the passion from the crowd.

Does the game and size of the crowd have any implications for Canberra football, for our A-League bid?

I think it does.


Some have already said the teams performance put our bid back. Others have said what does the crowd for a Socceroos game have to do with an A-League team in Canberra.

Well it's another major step for those involved in the bid. The FFA clearly lean towards a second Melbourne and Sydney team but now with this display from Canberra and of course the strength of our bid they are faced with some serious questions.

Can they afford not to grow the game in Australia and in the Capital when the momentum is clearly there? Can they afford to turn away in their words, the best prepared bid they've ever seen?

Time will tell, we can do little more.

However what crowd do you think we will get for our very first Canberra A-League home game?
What crowd do you think we will get if we are in the A-League final series for the first time?
What crowd will we draw against Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory?

The naysayers continue to be loud and proud but mostly they are older men, pained from the memories of the dear old Cosmos.

Thursday showed it's a different time, I've been repeating it to anyone who wanted to hear.

And consider this:

The eight year old boy who had his birthday on the night. The venue was changed and they all went to the Socceroos for the party.

Or the six year old boy walking into the stadium caught up in the excitement. "How Can I be a Socceroo Mum?"

No Canberra 8 year old has ever had an opportunity to watch the Socceroos. To connect with the game they play.

And that for me is the long-term success of the Canberra A-League team. When we have six or more Canberrans running out to play against Robbie Fowler, Sydney FC or Asian Champions League Runners-Up Adelaide United there will be a great feel for the fans and we'll have our own stories.

Thursday meant it's easier to sell the dream, to the media, to the sponsors, to the whole community.

"You'll never get a crowd for football, remember the Cosmos." Well we did, we have made the jump, the rest is easier to sell I believe.

Now we just need the FFA to say, "the winner is Canberra."

And for the ever decreasing minority who choose to knock, I say, embrace the opportunity and work with us to make something happen.

The people of Canberra have spoken of their love for the game.

Did you know there were so many Socceroos tops and scarves etc in Canberra? They have been well hidden.

And the audience, men, women, children young and old for football. Just as it should be.

Another step forward for football in the region.