Nearpost Football

Thursday, 10 July 2008

Ivan steals my motto: "I tend not to fail."

Ivan Slavich leader of the ateam4canberra bid said in a recent interview the strong, wonderfully confident and visionary phrase, "I TEND NOT TO FAIL," and I think he nicked the phrase from his meeting with myself on Monday:)

I would have said it, I'm sure I would, if I ever thought it. How about you is that how you walk around the city? Have a look at the next person you see, on the street, in the office. Is that what they are thinking. Deep down maybe all Canberrans think this:)

Well one can dream!!!! Will we hear a chant at the game on Saturday?

Matildas lose Joeys win.

A very Young Matildas side were thrashed 5-0 by China, and the Australian boys Under 17 side, The Joeys beat Bahrain 2-1. Canberrans Amy Chapman, Chris Bush and Ben Harrington all got game time for their respective sides. Match reports below from the FFA.

Matildas lose their rhythm in Tianjin

The Australian women's football team, the Matildas, were defeated 0-5 by Olympic Games hosts China, in Tianjin overnight.

China, which is aiming to be amongst the medallists in the Olympic Games women's football competition on their home turf, took the lead in the 7th minute when Han Duan struck low and hard from the edge of the box against the run of play.

Zhang Ying doubled China’s lead in the 22nd minute with a well taken volley after Han Duan had made a break down the right and supplied a pin-point cross.

Shortly after the break China extended their lead when the Chinese Captain Li Jie converted a penalty following an obvious infringement in the box.

Soon after the hour mark, Matildas captain Kate McShea had an attempt from the edge of the box but the Chinese keeper was able to block the shot to deny Australia a goal. Shortly after, Kyah Simon came close to scoring, but her shot hit the post and bounced out.

Xu Yuan added China’s fourth goal with 10 minutes remaining after pouncing on a mis-cleared ball and followed up with a strike from the right edge of the box. Yuan then claimed her second goal of the evening with a solid shot in the 87th minute to seal a 5-0 victory.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was disappointed with the result.

“The result highlighted the fact we're just not a cohesive unit at this point in time. It also highlighted the different stages for both teams,” said Sermanni after the match.

"China is deep in preparation for the Beijing Olympics, and we are not and a number of our more experienced players did not travel on this short trip.

“Our inexperience was also highlighted by the inconsistency in our performances, we had a good game the other night but could not back it up tonight.

“Having said that, I was extremely disappointed with some of the errors we made; errors you wouldn't expect from even a much younger side. I was also extremely disappointed in our limited mental toughness and concentration. This is probably the weakest we have performed in these two areas.

“We have to regroup now and start preparing for Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” concluded Sermanni.

The Matildas now return to Australia to face the New Zealand 's 'Football Ferns' on Saturday (12 July 2008) at North Sydney Oval (Kick-Off 12:00pm AEST) in what will be Di Alagich's final international match.

-ends-

Match Details
China PR 5 (Han Duan 7’, Zhang Ying 22’, Li Jie 48’ (pen), Xu Yuan 80’/87’)
Australia 0
Wednesday 9 July 2008
Tianjin Olympic Stadium Auxiliary Field, Tianjin, China
Crowd: 1000

Australia line-up: 1.Melissa Barbieri (gk), 2.Kate McShea (Captain), 3.Karla Reuter (24. Servet Uzunlar 62’), 6.Amber Neilson (22. Ellen Beaumont 62’), 8.Caitlin Munoz, 13.Amy Chapman (5.Renee Rollason 81’), 14.Clare Polkinghorne (10.Leena Khamis 81’), 16.Lauren Colthorpe, 17.Kyah Simon, 19.Kim Carroll (25. Brooke Spence 62’), 20.Joanne Burgess (15.Victoria Balomenos 81’).

Substitutes Not Used: 18.Lydia Williams (gk).

Next Fixture:
Matildas v New Zealand
Saturday 12 July 2008 (Kick-Off Time 12:00pm)
North Sydney Oval, North Sydney, NSW, Australia

Qantas Joeys Open Tournament with Victory over Bahrain

The Qantas Joeys have come from a goal behind to defeat Bahrain 2-1 in their opening match of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under 16 Youth Championships in Jakarta overnight.

Bahrain opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Sayed Dhiya Saeed beat Qantas Joeys goal keeper Robert Kolak in a one-on-one situation.

Kamal Ibrahim then equalised for the Qantas Joeys in the 34th minute with a tap in from close range after being set-up by Million Butshiire.

After the half-time break both teams looked for a winner with Bahrain coming the closest when Ali Habib Ali hit the crossbar, whilst the Qantas Joeys had a number of free kicks around the box that they were unable to capitalise on.

With the match seemingly destined to end in a draw, Qantas Joey Kerem Bulut was fouled in the box by Sayed Hashem Adnan Mahfood. Jared Lum converted the resulting penalty to give the Qantas Joeys an important victory.

In the other match of the evening Malaysia defeated Singapore 2-0.

The Qantas Joeys play the host nation Indonesia in their next match of the AFF Under 16 Youth Championship on Friday 11 July 2008 (kick-off 8.30pm AEST).

-ends-

Match details
Qantas Joeys 2 (Kamal Ibrahim 34’, Jared Lum 87’(pen))
Bahrain 1 (Sayed Dhiya Saeed 20’)
Wednesday 9 July 2008
Lebak Bulus Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia
Referee: Palaniyandi Pandian (Singapore)
Crowd: 200

Qantas Joeys: Robert Kolak (gk), Trent Sainsbury, Petar Franjic, Brendan Hamill, Chahine Noujaim, Kamal Ibrahim, Jared Lum, Benjamin Kantarovski (Christopher Bush 56’), Nikola Stanojevic, Joseph Costa (Benjamin Harrington 72’), Million Butshiire ( Kerem Bulut 87’).

Substitutes Not Used: Nathan Farrell, Trent Sainsbury, Lawrence Thomas (gk), Marc Warren, Tedros Yabio.

Yellow Cards: Kamal Ibrahim 90’.

Red Cards: Nil

QANTAS JOEYS SQUAD
ASEAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
UNDER 16 YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS
INDONESIA 2008
7-19 July 2008

Kerem Bulut (NSW), Christopher Bush (ACT), Million Butshiire (WA), Joseph Costa (SA), Nathan Farrell (SA), Petar Franjic (VIC), Brendan Hamill (NSW), Benjamin Harrington (ACT), Kamal Ibrahim (VIC), Benjamin Kantarovski (NSW), Robert Kolak (gk) (NSW), Jared Lum (NSW), Chahine Noujaim (SA), Trent Sainsbury (WA), Nikola Stanojevic (NSW), Lawrence Thomas (gk) (NSW), Marc Warren (NSW) and Tedros Yabio (VIC).

For more information about the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under 16 Youth Championships – Indonesia 2008, please visit www.aseanfootball.org

DATE MATCH NOMATCHTIMEVENUE
09 July 08
(Wednesday) 1 Australia 2:1Bahrain 1500Lebak Bulus Stadium
2 Singapore Malaysia 1830
11 July 08
(Friday) 3 Bahrain VsSingapore 1500Lebak Bulus Stadium
4 Indonesia VsAustralia 1830
13 July 08
(Sunday) 5 Australia VsMalaysia 1500Lebak Bulus Stadium
6 Indonesia VsBahrain 1830
15 July 08
(Tuesday) 7 Singapore VsAustralia 1500Lebak Bulus Stadium
8 Malaysia VsIndonesia 1830
17 July 08
(Thursday) 9 Malaysia VsBahrain 1500Lebak Bulus Stadium
10 Indonesia VsSingapore 1830
19 July 08
(Saturday) 11 3rd PositionVs4th Position1500Lebak Bulus Stadium
12 (Final) Group Champion VsGroup R-up 1830

All kick off times are local
Adam Mark

Wednesday, 9 July 2008

Girls National Titles: Day Six updates

Day Seven: Yahoo Capital Football Under 15's win on penalties, Matilda bound Dubbo striker Ashleigh Sykes dumps Capital Football under 17's.

Scores and tables and Play-off fixtures below.
2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
OFFICIAL RESULTS Day 7 – Friday 11 July 2008
Venue – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
15 Years Girls
9th/10th Place - Tasmania 6 (C.Daley 2’; A.Ayton 10’, 23’; A.Berry 49’; S.Vienna-Hallam 57’; R.Cavarretta 59’) def Northern Territory 0
7th/8th Place – Capital Football 1 (C.Brown 22’) South Australia 1 (D.Dibartolo 21’) (Capital Football won on Penalties 4-2)
5th/6th Place – Football West 0 Victoria 0 (Football West won on Penalties 4-2)
3rd/4th Place – Queensland 3 (H.Raso 1’; R.Van Wingerden 2’; C.Holmwood 15’) def Northern NSW 1 (T.Andrews 34’)

17 Years Girls
9th/10th Place - Tasmania 2 (L.Foote 47’; E.Norton 58’) def Northern Territory 0
7th/8th Place – Northern NSW 4 (R.Dobson 30’, 43’, 61’; E.van Egmond 54’) def Victoria 2 (V.Hughson 16’; E.Curo 28’)
5th/6th Place – NSW Country 1 (A.Sykes 13’) def Capital Football 0
3rd/4th Place - NSW 1 (S.Haim 55’) South Australia 1 (A.Fimmano 6’) 1 (NSW won on Penalties 4-3)
.
2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
FINALS SERIES SCHEDULE
Under 15 Girls
Day 8 - Saturday 12 July 2008
9:00 - 1st/2nd Place - NSW Country V NSW

Under 17 Girls
Day 8 - Saturday 12 July 2008
9:30 - 1st/2nd Place - Football West V Queensland

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS

OFFICIAL RESULTS Day 6 – Thursday 10 July 2008
Venue – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Under 15 Girls
Semi-Final 1: NSW Country 1 (R.Pearson 13’) Queensland 0
Semi-Final 2: NSW 5 (B.Holt 13’, N.Bolger 64’, T.Allen 66’, S.Marsden 76’ (og), C.Foord 79’) Northern NSW 1 (T.Andrews 17’)

17 Years Girls
Semi Final 1: Football West 2 (C.Bennett 39’; R.Davies 63’) NSW 0
Semi Final 2: Queensland 1 (C.Lees 75’) South Australia 0

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
FINALS SERIES SCHEDULE

Under 15 Girls
Day 7 - Friday 11 July 2008
10:30 - (9th/10th Place) Northern Territory V Tasmania
12:15 - (7th/8th Place) Capital Football V South Australia
14:00 - (5th/6th Place) - Football West V Victoria
15:45 - (3rd/4th Place) - Queensland V Northern NSW

Day 8 - Saturday 12 July 2008
9:00 - (1st/2nd Place) - NSW Country V NSW

Under 17 Girls
Day 7 - Friday 11 July 2008
10:30 - (9th/10th Place) - Tasmania V Northern Territory
12:15 - (7th/8th Place) - Northern NSW V Victoria
14:00 - (5th/ 6th Place) - NSW Country V Capital Football
15:45 - (3rd/4th Place) - NSW V South Australia

Day 8 - Saturday 12 July 2008
9:30 - (1st/2nd Place) - Football West V Queensland

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
OFFICIAL RESULTS Day 5 – Wednesday 9 July 2008
Venue – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
Under 15 Girls

Group A: Football West 1 (C.Coyles 11’) Queensland 1 (B.Whitfield 6’), Northern NSW 11 (T.Andrews 3’/17’/26’/31’, J.Harris 7’, M.Searle 14’, G.Peterson 30’/45’/57’, L.Rapley 34’, M.Howell 54’) Northern Territory 0, Capital Football – Bye.
GROUP A P W D L F A GD Pts
Queensland 4 3 1 0 24 1 23 10
Northern NSW 4 2 1 1 14 7 7 7
Football West 4 1 2 1 12 3 9 5
Capital Football 4 1 2 1 7 10 -3 5
Northern Territory 4 0 0 4 1 37 -36 0
Group B: NSW 2 (H.Brewer 4’, N.Bolger 15’) NSW Country 0, South Australia 2 (V.Reed 15’, C.Green 58’) Tasmania 1 (S.Vienna-Hallam 33’), Victoria – Bye.
GROUP B P W D L F A GD Pts
NSW 4 4 0 0 18 0 18 12
NSW Country 4 2 1 1 6 5 1 7
Victoria 4 2 1 1 7 8 -1 7
South Australia 4 1 0 3 4 11 -7 3
Tasmania 4 0 0 4 3 14 -11 0
Under 17 Girls
Group A: Queensland 2 (T.Roberts 12’, R.Allen 32’) Northern NSW 1 (R.Wayne 53’), NSW 5 (S.Haim 18’, A.Clifford 29’, L’O’Neill 33’, G.Dickinson 40’, K.Pearce 61’) Tasmania 0, NSW Country – Bye.
GROUP A P W D L F A GD Pts
NSW 4 3 1 0 12 3 9 10
Queensland 4 2 2 0 9 4 5 8
NSW Country 4 2 1 1 9 4 5 7
Northern NSW 4 1 0 3 8 8 0 3
Tasmania 4 0 0 4 2 21 -19 0
Group B: South Australia 5 (R.Quigley 20’/55’/67’, E.Weidenbach 27’/42’) Victoria 1 (S.Richardson 43’), Football West 9 (E.Mastrantonio 15’/64’, R.Davies 25’, S.Kerr 26’/28’, M.Tabain 29’/49’, S.May 40’, E.Glanfield 58’) Northern Territory 0, Capital Football – Bye.
GROUP B P W D L F A GD Pts
South Australia 4 3 1 0 14 4 10 10
Football West 4 3 0 1 16 6 10 9
Capital Football 4 1 2 1 7 4 3 5
Victoria 4 1 2 1 10 10 0 4
Northern Territory 4 0 0 4 1 24 -23 0

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
FINALS SERIES SCHEDULE

Under 15 Girls
Day 6 - Thursday 10 July 2008
16:00 Queensland V NSW Country Semi Final 1
18:00 NSW V Northern NSW Semi Final 2
Day 7 - Friday 11 July 2008
10:30 Northern Territory V Tasmania 9th/10th Place
12:15 Capital Football V South Austrailia 7th/ 8th Place
14:00 Football West V Victoria 5th/ 6th Place
15:45 Loser Semi Final 1 V Loser Semi Final 2 3rd/4th Place
Day 8 - Saturday 12 July 2008
9:00 Winner Semi Final 1 V Winner Semi Final 2 1st/2nd Place

Under 17 Girls
Day 6 - Thursday 10 July 2008
16:00 NSW V Football West Semi Final 1
18:00 South Australia V Queensland Semi Final 2
Day 7 - Friday 11 July 2008
10:30 Tasmania V Northern Territory 9th/10th Place
12:15 Northern NSW V Victoria 7th/ 8th Place
14:00 NSW Country V Capital Football 5th/ 6th Place
15:45 Loser Semi Final 1 V Loser Semi Final 2 3rd/4th Place
Day 8 - Saturday 12 July 2008
9:30 Winner Semi Final 1 V Winner Semi Final 2 1st/2nd Place

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
OFFICIAL RESULTS Day 4 – Tuesday 8 July 2008

Venue – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Under 15 Girls

Group A: Northern NSW 1 (T.Andrews 36’) Football West 0, Capital Football 4 (E.Carnevale 14’; A.Palombi 26’; I.Boag-Taylor 52’; E.Thornton 58’) Northern Territory 1 ( E.Minerds 2’), Queensland - Bye

Group B: NSW 5 (H.Makrillos 6’; T.Allen 13’/16’/50’; N.Bolger 41’) Victoria 0, NSW Country 3 (E.Battin 17’; R.Pearson 45’; T.Hay 52’) Tasmania 2 (R.Cavarretta 6’; S.Vienna-Hallam 46’), South Australia – Bye

Under 17 Girls

Group A: NSW Country 2 (A.Sykes 40’; S.Wood 54’) def Northern NSW 0, Queensland 4 (E.Gielnik 2’, 7’; T.Roberts 16’; A.Foote 63’) def Tasmania 0, NSW - Bye

Group B: Football West 2 (M.Tabain 7’; S.Kerr 60’) def Capital Football 1 (C.Walters 6’), Victoria 6 (E.Curo 2’; S.Richardson 21’,35’,41’; D.Niceski 57’; A.McLean 60’) def Northern Territory 1 (N.Cotis 46’), South Australia - Bye

OFFICIAL RESULTS Day 3 – Monday 7 July 2008

Venue – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Under 15 Girls

Group A: Queensland 5 (M.Hatzirodos 15’, N.Mueller 29’, R.Stott 52’, H.Raso 56’, T.Riding 58’) Northern NSW 0, Football West 1 (S.Goadsby 16’) Capital Football 1 (G.Yeoman-Dale 18’), Northern Territory – Bye

GROUP A P Pts

Queensland 3 9
Football West 2 4
Capital Football 3 2
Northern NSW 2 1
Northern Territory2 0

Group B: NSW 6 (E.Grey 3’/ 9’/12’/41’, S.Brown 35’, C.Sciberras 59’) Tasmania 0, Victoria 3 (J.Vogt 11’, A.Brown 37’, A.Stratford 56’) South Australia 2 (D.Dibartolo 16’, K.Ebbs 32’), NSW Country – Bye

GROUP B
P pts
Victoria 3 7
NSW 2 6
NSW Country 2 4
South Australia 3 0
Tasmania 2 0

Under 17 Girls

Group A: NSW Country 6 (S.Holliday 13’, 64 ‘, G.Bennett 20’, 60’, A.Sykes 59’, S.Fenech 62’) def Tasmania 1 (A.Tolman 2’), Queensland 2 (S.McKeen 7’, T.Roberts 12’) NSW 2 (E.Oreilly 37’, J.Kingsley 41’), Northern NSW - Bye

GROUP A p pts

NSW 3 7
NSW Country 3 4
Northern NSW 2 3
Queensland 2 2
Tasmania 2 0

Group B: Capital Football 1 (R.Kitting 12’) Victoria 1 (D.Hughson 53’), South Australia 5 (R.Peake 7’/19’, A.Fimmano 28’, R.Quigley 30’/56’ ) Northern Territory 0, Football West – Bye

Group B p Pts

South Australia 3 7
Capital Football 3 5
Football West 2 3
Victoria 2 1
Northern Territory 2 0

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
OFFICIAL RESULTS Day 2 – Sunday 6 July 2008

Venue – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Under 15 Girls

Group A: Queensland 6 (A.McCleary 4’, B.Whitfield 7’, S.Mayhew 18’, N.Mueller 23’/25’, A.Wellingham 59’) Capital Football 0, Football West 10 (S.Goadsby 7’/8’/15’/16’/17’/19’, S.Lawrence 7’/18’, T.Rigby 2’,C.Coyles 10’) Northern Territory 0, Northern NSW – Bye.

Group B: NSW 5 (N.Bolger 15’, C.Foord 19’, T.Allen 24’, D.Borg 51’, E.Grey 57’) South Australia 0, Victoria 1 (S.Catley 6’) NSW Country 1 (R.Pearson 28’), Tasmania – Bye.

Under 17 Girls

Group A: NSW 3 (N.Hamson 16’, L.O’Neill 47’, J.Kingsley 63’) Northern NSW 1 (L.Hudson 64’), NSW Country 1 (A.Ryan 29’) Queensland 1 (K.Gorry 20’), Tasmania – Bye.

Group B: Capital Football 4 (B.Studman 13’, L.Allan 22’, C.Lynch 38’, E.Clout 64) Northern Territory 0, South Australia 3 (R.Quigley 17’/18’/31’) Football West 2 (E.Glanfield 15’, S.Kerr 28’), Victoria – Bye.

2008 FFA NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS
OFFICIAL RESULTS Day 1 – Saturday 5 July 2008

Venue – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Under 15 Girls

Group A: Northern NSW 2 (J.Harris 22’, G.Peterson 52’) Capital Football 2 (A.Palombi 11’, S.Rojahn 40’), Queensland 12 (B.Whitfield 1’/5’/11’/21’/29’/46’/48’, H.Raso 7’, M.Hatzirodos 13’/ 23’/35’, T.Riding 12’) Northern Territory 0, Football West - Bye.

Group B: NSW Country 2 (T. Cox 14’, T.Hay 43’) South Australia 0, Victoria 3 (C.Friend 23’/30’, E.Runnalls 24’) Tasmania 0, NSW - Bye.

Under 17 Girls

Group A: Northern NSW 6 (E Sharpe 23’/26’, T.Doyle 34’/43’, E.Van Egmond 48’, R.Dobson 64’) Tasmania 1 (H.Dixon 4’), NSW 2 (K.Pearce 20’, E.O’Reilly 21’) NSW Country 0, Queensland - Bye

Group B: South Australia 1 (R.Wallace 30’) Capital Football 1 (R.Hart 61’), Football West 3 (E.Mastrantonio 2’, 16’, M.Tabain 13’) Victoria 2 (E.Curo 32’, D.Niceski 65’), Northern Territory - Bye

Ned Zelic gives his support

Former Socceroo and Canberra Croatia junior Ned Zelic sends his support from Germany where he is living with his young family having recently retired from football.

Ned Zelic wrote:

That's fantastic news that Canberra is putting a bid together!!
Yes I will definitely sign up and will give my full support to the bid in any way I can. Great stuff!!

Regards

Ned

Eamonn: On behalf of the ateam4canberra fans: Thanks Ned, much appreciated.

Southside Supporters Organising.

Canberra football supporters are organising.

A football group from the Southside, have contacted me, and they are plotting and planning for this weekends game at Canberra Stadium. Expect some noise!

What are the Northside supporters planning? Feel free to let me know.

Ivan Slavich: "I tend not to fail."

Fourfourtwo have written a strong piece on a Canberra A-League team.

For those who have signed up, you have backed a winner. Ivan would like to see you show your support at Saturday's game, at Canberra Stadium, Mariner v Jets.

Tuesday, 8 July 2008

800 signed-up! Hope spreads across Canberra, and the Region

800 have now signed up, that's 2400 potential members in my opinion.

I'll keep you posted when we get more publicity. Of course we dominated the Nearpost radio tonight, I host the show!

And I've been interviewed......

for FourFourTwo for their website, and that will take us into the football community across Australia. Slowly we have been appearing on fans forums as the news filters out across the Net.

And, of course, everyone has been helping, Doing their bit. And Anthony Hatton and I thankyou. Together we have a powerful voice, talk is spreading across town, many signing up, already, for something that doesn't exist. How many would sign-up for the real deal?

Some feedback:

"I've forwarded the email to 100 people," said Chris. I've never met him!
"I reckon I forwarded it to 200 maybe 250," said Jean. I've never met her.
"Let's just see where this thing goes," said another fan who'd had his hopes for a Canberra side dashed again and again. You could feel he was just slowly, daring to hope. Could we really get a team in our great city?

"We're planning a supporters group, we've been emailing and thinking," said another.

Where once we feared to tread, or so we were told, Canberrans and those in Albury, Queanbeyan, Bateman's Bay, Cooma, Goulburn and even Adelaide, Sydney, Wollongong and beyond continue to sign up. Maybe we were just never given a chance, a voice.

My mind flashed forward. If we have a team in two or three years, can you imagine the interest the hope in the new team.

The excitement as names, colours and coaches are discussed. Who would play from Canberra? Who would come from overseas? Is there a role in the club for recently retired Ned Zelic, or former Fulham FC fitness and conditioning coach Andrew Young?

And locally would Milan Milanovanovic coach, or maybe Tom Sermanni, Alex Tobin...so the list goes on.

And for you. A new job, a new shop, a new shirt, a new routine. We are daring to dream. Each name and we're starting to shock and rock a few in the Canberra community and indeed across Australia.

Heather Reid names National Women's team

On Nearpost radio tonight, Capital Football CEO, Heather Reid, announced the name of the "hoped for soon to be announced" National Women's team.....and it is... Canberra Spirit.

Nearpost Radio tonight

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Capital Football show:
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Nationally Terry Henry joins us as host, Former Sheff Wed and Aussie Youth Team Representative and Total Football Academy entrepreneur Adem Poric is live in the studio. We'll talk to Adem about his side in the Kanga Cup, his thoughts on the whole Small Sided Games and his Total Football Academy.

Locally we have Capital Football CEO Heather Reid. We'll talk with the CEO about ateam4Canberra, Women's National League, Kanga Cup and ACT Rockets and more if we get time.

Ateam4Canberra survey/blog designer Anthony Hatton reports on his meeting with Ivan Slavic, and updates us on his survey.

We have interviews with Katrina Neuss, Ian Shaw and Fitsum Haptemariam from the National Champs and Friendship games.

Monday, 7 July 2008

FFA contacted: Canberra to put in A-League expression of interest.

Head of the Canberra A-League bid and Transact CEO and ActewAGL General Manager Ivan Slavich (right) was in confident mood this morning when he met Anthony Hatton and this blogger(photographer).

"There will be a team in Canberra." said Slavich. And we believe him. Ivan noted the level of grassroots support already, and he mentioned the outstanding support he has already received from the Canberra corporate community.

Survey designer Anthony Hatton will report back on Nearpost Radio tomorrow and Capital Football CEO Heather Reid will also give the Capital Football response. It's all happening pretty quick. Ivan needs all the support he can get, but he is doing a great job.

For all those 700 plus who have signed up. You are visionary putting your name to a once maligned concept. No more. You will be able to say in coming years, I was one of the first to sign-up, I believed!

As the sign-ups continue at a rapid rate, I'll have an update later today, I'm expecting a huge increase in signatures in the coming days as news and the positive outlook spreads through the community. Feel free to spread the word:)

700 sign-up: The journey continues

700 sign-up after just five days. That's almost 2100 potential members.

How many would we get if we actually had a team, a bright future, a marketing campaign and a marquee player?

Over 5,000. You'd think so based on the survey.

The Raiders have 3,000 members, the Brumbies survive on 9,000. I think we're going to be okay.

And the first game? 15,000? I think not. More like 20,000 plus. It would be the Canberra sporting event of the year, maybe the decade!!

Matildas beat China

Strange game format! Read the FFA Release below.

Matildas defeat China in Tianjin

The Matildas have recorded a 2-1 victory over China PR in a training match overnight in Tianjin, China.

Prior to the match, both teams agreed to play a novel match format consisting of four, thirty minute quarters, with full interchange and penalty shoot-outs at the end of the second and fourth quarters. Due to these modifications this fixture was not considered to be an “A”-international.

The match began evenly with both teams remaining scoreless during the first quarter, before China took the lead midway through second quarter with a header from Han Duan following a cross from the right. At the end of the second quarter, China took out the first of the evenings penalty shoot-outs 4-3.

China kept their lead throughout the third quarter, but Servet Uzunlar equalised for Australia 12 minutes into the fourth quarter with a deft chip over the Chinese goal-keeper who was caught off her line. Australia then took the lead with 10 minutes to go when Servet Uzunlar was fouled in the box and Amber Neilson converted the resulting penalty with a well placed strike to the bottom right corner of the goal. Australia hung on to complete the victory during regular time, whilst China won the second penalty shoot-out 4-2 at the conclusion of the match.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was proud of his players performance after the modified training match.

“Considering we played for two hours, and China had a larger squad in their prime preparing for the Olympic Games, it was an outstanding effort for us to last the distance” said Sermanni.

“I am very happy that we finished strongly against tough opposition which showed great character and ability from the team.”

“Tonight’s hit-out was extremely useful for everyone and we’re looking forward to the next match,” concluded Sermanni.

The Matildas will play a full "A"-international against China PR on Wednesday (9 July 2008) at the Olympic Stadium in Tianjin (Kick-Off 7:40pm local time)

-ends-

Match Details
China PR 1 (Han Duan 45’)
Australia 2 (Servet Uzunlar 102’, Amber Neilson 110’)
Sunday 6 July 2008
Olympic Stadium, Tianjian, China
*Note this is not an “A”-International due to the modified match format

Australia line-up (1st Quarter): 1.Melissa Barbieri, 25.Brooke Spence, 14.Clare Polkinghorne, 2.Kate McShea, 3.Karla Reuter, 13.Amy Chapman, 6.Amber Neilson, 16.Lauren Colthorpe, 20.Joanne Burgess, 17.Kyah Simon, 8.Caitlin Munoz.

Australia line-up (2nd Quarter): 1.Melissa Barbieri, 25.Brooke Spence, 14.Clare Polkinghorne, 16.Lauren Colthorpe, 22.Ellen Beaumont, 24.Servet Uzunlar, 5.Renee Rollason, 13.Amy Chapman, 8.Caitlin Munoz, 10.Leena Khamis, 15.Victoria Balomenos.

Australia line-up (3rd Quarter): 18.Lydia Williams, 5.Renee Rollason, 25.Brooke Spence, 2.Kate McShea, 22.Ellen Beaumont, 17.Kyah Simon, 24.Servet Uzunlar, 6.Amber Neilson, 8.Caitlin Munoz, 10.Leena Khamis, 15.Victoria Balomenos.

Australia line-up (4th Quarter): 18.Lydia Williams, 25.Brooke Spence, 14.Clare Polkinghorne, 3.Karla Reuter, 16.Lauren Colthorpe, 5.Renee Rollason, , 22.Ellen Beaumont, 24.Servet Uzunlar, 10.Leena Khamis, 13.Amy Chapman, 15.Victoria Balomenos.

Next Fixture:
China PR v Australia
Wednesday 9 July 2008 (Kick-Off Time 7:40pm)
Olympic Stadium, Tianjin, China

Matildas Squad for China Tour 3-11 July 2008

Melissa BARBIERI (Melbourne), Victoria BALOMENOS (Adelaide), Ellen BEAUMONT (Brisbane), Joanne BURGESS (Brisbane), Kim CARROLL (Brisbane), Amy CHAPMAN (Canberra), Lauren COLTHORPE (Brisbane), Leena KHAMIS (Sydney), Kate MCSHEA (Brisbane), Caitlin MUNOZ (Canberra), Amber NEILSON (Newcastle), Clare POLKINGHORNE (Brisbane), Karla REUTER (Brisbane), Renee ROLLASON (Sydney), Kyah SIMON (Sydney), Brooke SPENCE (Brisbane), Servet UZUNLAR (Sydney) and Lydia WILLIAMS (Canberra).

Harry Kewell: Does it for Australia

"If Bruce Djite likes playing in the cold, and he's gone to Turkey, then Turkey is good enough and cold enough for me."

Harry could have gone to Celtic, Portsmouth or even Rome. But he chose Turkey. Harry did it for Australia..and here's why.

Speaking to Harry's agent, Scouse Jim, it became very clear what Harry was thinking.

"He's had offers from Liverpool, Celtic, Roma but Harry chose Turkey? Fans are amazed Scouse Jim. Why did he do it?"

"He did it for Australia. Harry's always being devoted to the National team, as you know. Ever since he played in Tehran as a a 17 year old, there's only ever been one National team for Harry."

"You only have to look at the last month. All the other lazy sods couldn't get away quick enough for a break before the China game. Even Nicky Carle, who lets face it, needs the game time, even Nicky dashed off for a surf and stuff.

"Not Harry. China, dead rubber, Harry was there. And he's got the rewards, I mean he played for the fans."

"And in true Harry fashion it had to be Turkey. We got the map out and saw that Turkey was the nearest place to Uzbekistan. Well when Harry said that it was a no-brainer. He can fly straight from Galatasaray to Tashkent."

"And Harry thinks Turkey is actually in Asia, which it is sort of. So the games against Bahrain, Qatar, Harry will be the first one there."

"He's even mapped out Oman and Kuwait in the Asia Cup Qualifiers."

"Flying from Liverpool to Uzbekistan. Harry would have had to go down the M62, to Manchester. Harry hates that. The traffic, the Mancs, remember he wouldn't sign for them. Then he has to fly to Heathrow. Harry hates Heathrow, and don't forget he didn't sign for the Arse (Arsenal). Those baggage handlers at Heathrow hate Harry."

"So it was a no-brainer. He knew Jesse Fink's mate Nicky Carle got a game in Turkey. Harry really looks up to Nicky, and Jesse. So he thought great, that'll do."

"And he saw Nicky and the other Aussie Mile Sterjovski both did well in Turkey. I mean they lasted almost six months each so Hary knew the Aussie boys could do it."

"And he knows it's cold in Turkey or else Bruce Djite wouldn't have gone there would he? And Harry doesn't like the heat. He couldn't run for nuts in the Asia Cup."

"And Harry knows Turkey is nearer the equator than Liverpool but well if Djite is there with his fear of the cold and all that, he should be right."

"Roma? Never an option mate."

"Too many roundabouts, Harry and the missus they hate Roundabouts. Traffic lights, Scouse Jim, that's what Harry always says. Give me a traffic light. Red he says means stop, green means go. Harry likes that."

Sunday, 6 July 2008

ACT Premier League Wrap and ACT Rockets to miss out?

ACT Rockets to miss Win Stadium game?
Fed Cup winners thrashed at home, Woden Valley win Lifeline Cup and move off the bottom, Belconnen, Tuggeranong win.

All the ACT Men's Premier scores below but the big and disappointing news from my perspective is the ACT Rockets Illawarra clash pencilled in to be played at the Win Stadium before a Sydney FC home game looks to be quashed.

Capital Football are unable to change the Premier League fixtures it would appear. CEO Heather Reid will be on the Nearpost on Tuesday so we'll get the update then.

But if it's true the game is cancelled due to local fixture constraints why can't the players selected just go.

As much as Canberra City v Belconnen or Canberra FC O'Connor Knights is a big game, a chance for the players selected to play at the SFS could be the highlight of a local player's careers.

So if the game is on the cards to be played at Win Stadium, I say change the Men's draw, or the clubs could just release the players, although I guess many people would want to go and watch.

Ask the players selected what they would prefer. I reckon I'm right:) If I'm not let me know.

Anyway here are the scores from the weekend.

Capital Football Men's Premier League CANBERRA OLYMPIC 6 (S Barsley 2, O Wiederkehr 2, T Dries, A Butt) bt O'CONNOR KNIGHTS 0 at O'Connor Enclosed Oval.

Lifeline Cup:
Woden Valley defeated Canberra City 2-1 with goals from Jon Caggiano (signed up for on A-League poll:) and Marcia Zygmunt, (signed up) and Pat Ross-Magee replied for City.

Belconnen defeated ANU 4-0 with Danny Macor's replacement David Leet scoring a Macor like three, including a penalty. Matt Valeri got the other.

Coach Steve Forshaw (signed up) said his side, "didn't play well in the first half, but I'm delighted with the result, on a bumpy field it was a good performance.

Tuggeranong United beat Queanbeyan City 2-0 bursting Queanbeyan's recent good run.
19 year old Dale Westmore and Mark Shields scored for the victors. Andrew Bobinskas missed a penalty.

Next week Olympic take on Steve Forshaw's Belconnen. Forshaw said, "With Canberra FC so far ahead, the two sides have nothing to do but attack. It should be a great game, I'm expecting a feast of football."

Table.

Table: p pts
Canberra FC 10 30
Belcon 10 23
Olympic 10 20
O'connor 11 13
Tuggies 10 12
Queanbeyan 10 10
Woden Valley 11 9
ANU 11 7
Cbr City 10 6

Saturday, 5 July 2008

The Weekender: Canberra Football stirs!

The Weekender: This week, of course, it's the journey of the new Canberra A-League website.

I've asked people from ANU 9th Grade, Canberra City Women's team, Capital Football Academies and more.
"How many people from your team will sign-up do you think?
The reply is the same.
"Over 80% I should think."
If that is correct, we've only just begun.

Well I've been a bit busy this week so this may be short.

Tim Gavel's article in the Canberra Times was welcomed. He outlined why we hadn't had an A-League bid from Canberra, how Ivan Slavich was now leading the bid, the benefits to Canberra of such a bid, and finally how the local support should raise it's voice.

CUE: Two Grumpy Old Men. Anthony Hatton with a little help from myself thrashed out the site this week. In the techno age we didn' meet, not once. I think we've only ever met three times in our lives face to face! But when we do we talk, talk football. You've been warned.

So the site was born. Through my blog and radio work I've built up quite a list of emails from football friends, and facebook, I knew it would come in handy one day; and of course, more importantly the goodwill of Canberra football folk.

And yes I apologise to anyone who received an email they didn't want. But I've had no complaints yet, not one. And some people have received the email three times as other friends send it on to their friends. You no how this stuff works!

Day One was interesting. Seeing the first few people sign-up. It was exciting. I get excited! That's me!
Real names, real people, real Canberrans, although not exclusively, but real football fans.

80% may invest in a Canberra team!
Northside led Southside respondents early but Southside has fought back.

Ben Williams, Steve Doszpot, David Lamont, Ivan Slavich, Anna Slavich, Jeremy Butler, Jeremy Haptemariam, Clare D'Arcy, Nicole Somi, Jenny Brew, the list goes on and on. Young and old, men and women from all clubs, all communities. Everyone knows someone, we're all connected.

Over 500 signed up in 24 hours with an average of 3 per household, that's 1500 people. 3,000 should not be beyond us.

3,000 members. Based on that, I believe when the real thing starts we'd get 5,000 members signed up.

That is the basis for a 10,000 plus average crowd. no bother!

And how many would be at the first game. People are confidently saying 15,000 plus...for football in Canberra. I've no doubt. We may even have to close the gates. Can you imagine!

Of course there would be hurdles and difficulties, it's professional sport.

But TV coverage, the salary cap, the junior base, the links to Asia, the growth of the Socceroos and Matildas, it's quite simply a different time for football.

Can Ivan Slavich pull it off?

Who knows but within a week he has received significant support.

With a continued noise in the next week as the Kanga Cup comes to town, the Grand Final A-League rematch hits Buce Stadium, I expect us to increase our fan base, and that can only be good for Ivan's discussions and for engaging financial investors.

We're showing Investors it's a worthy investment with a bright future.

We can sell our players on for financial windfalls, just look at Nicky Carle, Bruce Djite or Nathan Burns. What could a Canberra club have earned from Joe Simunic, Carl Valeri or Ned Zelic over the years?

We'd like them to stay our Canberra players but if they go we wish them well and hope to strengthen our club and football community.

We can attract sponsors who want a male/female audience, a national TV audience, an Asia exposure. The A-League is beamed into 70 countries already. Friends in Singapore, England and Japan have reported watching the games.

It's an interesting time.

I've asked people from ANU 9th Grade, Canberra City women's team, and Capital Football teams.

"How many people from your team will sign-up do you think?

The reply is the same.

"Over 80% I should think."

If that is correct, we've only just begun. Spread the word, you're doing a great job.

I'm off to meet Ivan on Monday, I'll pass on the good news.

We're off, who knows where we'll end up, but everyone who has signed up is contributing to the new team, their Canberra A-League team.

Thanks

Eamonn

Friday, 4 July 2008

500 hundred sign-up for Canberra A-League

The 500th person to sign up for the Canberra A-League team is Clare D’Arcy. Interestingly, to me, Clare is a mum who lists her club as Players FC. Clare has daughters who play the game. As FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said, "the future of football is female."

And of course a Canberra A-League team would benefit, I believe, the Canberra Women's National League team. And vice versa.

So thanks for taking the time to sign up Clare, and thanks to everyone who has emailed, phoned, and signed up in the two days since we started. It's an interesting and powerful message you are sending.

Expect to see a story in the Canberra Times tomorrow about what is going on, and ABC Grandstand Tim Gavel will run an interview about the support on his show between 11-12 Sat. on ABC Canberra 666AM

Have a great weekend.

ABC TV for Women's football?

The Sydney Morning Herald are reporting Women's basketball is to be given the bounce from FTA live games on Saturday afternoons. And the suggestion is Women's live football will fill the spot! See your Canberra daughter play live on TV. That would be nice!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/basketball/abc-plans-to-give-wnbl-the-bounce/2008/07/03/1214950952192.html

ABC plans to give WNBL the bounce

Jacquelin Magnay
July 4, 2008

THE ABC has slam-dunked its live coverage of the Women's National Basketball League for the coming season and plans to replace the prime 4pm Saturday afternoon highlights with a sport more politically in favour - women's football.

Football Federation Australia received a $32 million Federal Government grant in the last budget, some of which was to pay for the broadcast costs of a women's football league. Rugby league and rugby union officials were furious, having lost $35m in collective grants at the same time.

But now it appears the most successful women's sport - the Opals are world champions - will lose out.

A spokesman for the Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, said she was unaware of the changes but would be disappointed if programming changes led to a reduction in women's sport on free-to-air TV.

ABC's head of sport and events, Iain Knight, said the ABC would not take money off women's football - the same stance as its deal with basketball and previously with netball.

He confirmed the changes to the basketball coverage, but said no decision had been made on which sport would get the 4pm timeslot.

The ABC has cut its coverage of women's basketball from its digital channel, ABC2, which broadcast games live on Friday night. ABC1 also used to show a women's basketball highlights package at 4pm on Saturday afternoon. Under the new plans, the basketball will lose its live coverage and have a 90-minute highlights package at the less favourable Saturday time of 2pm.

The decision has crushed basketball officials, who are reeling from the turmoil in the men's code following the demise of the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets.

"This is a slap in the face for women's basketball, and to find that the coverage of women's sport can't even be maintained is very, very disappointing," Sydney Flames board member Michelle Nancarrow said.

Basketball Australia chief executive Scott Derwin said women's basketball would come off what was expected to be a successful Olympics campaign with a dramatic reduction in what was being broadcast.

"This will have a dramatic effect and potentially be very, very costly in terms of the profile of the league and its ability to attract sponsors," he said.

This season, the WNBL will feature 11 teams following the inclusion of Logan from South-East Queensland. The season runs from October to March.

Nikolai off to Beijing

Bruce Djite out, Nathan Burns out, bu Canberran Nikolai Topor-Stanley is in. The Olyroo squad has been named, and eleven A-League players are in the 18.

Australian Football's Big Chance

The announcement today of the men’s football section of the Australian Olympic team was a long-awaited reward for eighteen promising athletes.

In Beijing, the Under 23 team plans to continue Australia’s rise in international football after the strong performance of the senior team at the 2006 World Cup.

After a grueling Asia-group qualification campaign in 2007, picking 18 players was never going to be easy for head coach Graham Arnold.

“It was a difficult job selecting the team,” Arnold said.

“I had a look not only at current form of the players but their form right through the qualification campaign.”

Nineteen-year-old midfielder James Troisi is the youngest member of the team heading to Beijing.

“I’m excited and really looking forward to being an Olympian,” Troisi said.

“We’ve got a good squad and it’s going to be a great experience.”

Fifteen under 23 players were selected to compete in Beijing along with three overage players according to the rules set out by the IOC.

Striker Archie Thompson, midfielder David Carney and defender Jade North were selected to fill the overage roles.

“It is a real honour to be picked to go to Beijing,” Athens Olympian Jade North said.

“I can’t wait to start training with them and get over there. I really hope to go in and lead by example for the younger players.”

After finishing seventh in Athens, North wants to see the team move up the ranks this time round.

“I feel like I have been given another chance and I want to go all the way this time,” North said.

The Olympic and international experience that the three overage players bring to the team will be a vital addition to the team’s campaign in Beijing.

“The three overage players will bring both attacking and strong defence to the team,” Arnold said.

“At the end of the day though it is up to the whole team to play to the maximum of their ability.
“We have a lot of work to do over the next month to build up our fitness even more and make the best of it in Beijing.”

The full squad is:

Mark Bridge – striker (Sydney FC)
Billy Celeski – midfielder (Melbourne Victory)
Adam Federici – goalkeeper (Reading, England)
Neil Kilkenny – midfielder (Leeds United, England)
Adrian Leijer – defender (Fulham Athletic, England)
Trent McClenahan – defender (Hereford United, England)
Mark Milligan – defender (uncontracted)
Stuart Musialik – midfielder (Sydney FC)
Nikita Rukavytsya – striker (Perth Glory)
Kristian Sarkies – midfielder (Adelaide United)
Matthew Spiranovic – defender (FC Nurnberg, Germany)
Nikolai Topor-Stanley – defender (Perth Glory)
James Troisi – midfielder (uncontracted)
Tando Velaphi – goalkeeper (Perth Glory)
Ruben Zadkovich – defender (Derby County, England)
David Carney – midfielder (Sheffield United, England) – overage player
Jade North – defender (Newcastle Jets) – overage player
Archie Thompson – striker (Melbourne Victory) – overage player

80% to buy shares in Canberra A-League!

You may have heard the old joke/saying, the one that Canberrans wouldn't support a football team. No more. No more I tell you!

Not only are Canberrans signing up in droves, over EIGHTY per cent of signees are saying they would consider buying shares in the company if offered.

It's a new time for football in Australia, and Canberra.

Asian Cup draw, and will Nikolai make the Olyroos

Oman, Kuwait and our near neighbours Indonesia, that's are group for the 2011 Asian Cup.

With the games to start in January on top of the World Cup Qualifiers we're going to need as many professional footballers are we've got. Keep the games and the players coming.

And with left-back David Carney expected to be named in the Olyroo's Beijing squad today as an overage player along with Harry Kewell and Archie Thompson, Canberra born Nikolai Topor-Stanley will face an anxious wait. I think he'll be right, but you never know.

Thursday, 3 July 2008

Well done Canberrans: Ivan Slavich supports us!

Well, that didn't take long did it?

Someone has forwarded the website to Ivan Slavich, the Canberra A-League bid leader..and he's signed up and so has Anna Slavich. And Ivan thinks this grassroots support is exactly what we need. So keep spreading the word, and checkout the others from across our community who are signing up.

And have a look at which local club he is affiliated with:)

Wednesday, 2 July 2008

Canberra A-League: 300 sign up on first day!

Transact CEO and General Manager of Actewagl Ivan Slavich is leading the bid for the Canberra A-League team, and things are already heading in the right direction, financially.

So what can you do to help?

SIGN UP HEREand show your support and forward the link to every friend of football, sport and Canberra that you know.

Less than 24 hours gone and over 300 fans have signed up, with an average of 3 matchgoers per household, that's closing in on a thousand fans already.

And check out who's signed up already. Belconnen United Nicole Somi's there, so is Mike Smale, Tuggies Matt McDonald, Majura's Eamonn Flanagan (that's me), William Forster from Gungahlin United, Sean O'Connor, Weston Creek, and so the list goes on and you can look up who's signed up. So why not Sign up and check it out.

Interestingly the Northside are whopping the Southside in the first hours of the campaign. Can that be right? Is North Canberra that much more passionate about football?

We'll update the score as the game goes on.

New Matildas head back to China.

Matildas Squad for China Tour 3-11 July 2008

Melissa BARBIERI (Melbourne), Victoria BALOMENOS (Adelaide), Ellen BEAUMONT (Brisbane), Joanne BURGESS (Brisbane), Kim CARROLL (Brisbane), Amy CHAPMAN (Canberra), Lauren COLTHORPE (Brisbane), Leena KHAMIS (Sydney), Kate MCSHEA (Brisbane), Caitlin MUNOZ (Canberra), Amber NEILSON (Newcastle), Clare POLKINGHORNE (Brisbane), Karla REUTER (Brisbane), Renee ROLLASON (Sydney), Kyah SIMON (Sydney), Brooke SPENCE (Brisbane), Yesim Servet UZUNLAR (Sydney) and Lydia WILLIAMS (Canberra).

Ellyse Perry has school, Heather Garriock is injured. There are many and varied reasons why players are unable to make this trip. Some like Lisa De Vanna are playing overseas.

This was supposed to be a quiet year, a quiet period, but the Matildas reputation has meant many teams want to use them as practice for the Olympics.

And when China call, we jump, I guess.

So a young team has been assembled. More experience. But also a sign that the path and friendships formed in Asia is increasing the games but also putting more pressure on the non-professional players to keep turning out for their country.

With jobs and study commitments finding the increasing time needed to represent Australia may well become a problem, if it hasn't already.

Match Details
China PR v Australia
Sunday 6 July 2008 (Kick-Off Time 7:45pm)
Olympic Stadium, Tianjin, China

China PR v Australia
Wednesday 9 July 2008 (Kick-Off Time 7:40pm)
Olympic Stadium, Tianjin, China

Australia at the World Deaf Cup.

Canberra's Nick Schlie is representing Australia at the World Deaf Cup 2008 in Patras, Greece.
Australia are drawn against Russia, Thailand and open today against Turkey.

Are Aussie Clubs getting a cut?

FourFourTwo are reporting Nicky Carle is being transferred to Crystal Palace for $2 million.

But are the Jets getting a cut?

Nicky will get 10%. That's a cool $200,000 as he didn't ask for a transfer, but what aobut the Jets did they have a sell-on clause.

Say 25%.

Carle earned the club $600,000 when he was transferred to Turkey. But did the Jets get any of the $1.2million transfer to Bristol City or indeed this latest deal.

Including the original fee The Jets could have earned $1.5million from Carle's moves.

Bruce Djite, David Carney, Nathan Burns, Michael Beauchamp, Dario Vidosic the list goes on.

Will their next transfers rake in the money for Australian clubs?

If not, who is doing the deals?

Gold Coast want Kofi Danning.

Former Majura junior and current AIS Scholarship holder Kofi Danning is being chased by the new Gold Coast club. Miron Blieberg has been watching recent AIS games.

But then again Miron every A-League Club is after this player, a young player with who it is hoped will go on to bigger things.

One AIS insider said, "Kofi could play English Premier League or European Champions League. We think he has such potential." And I've rarely heard the AIS talk any player up over the years.

Tuesday, 1 July 2008

Nearpost Podcast: Heather Garriock, Amy Taylor.

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Nationally:
Should Rugby League and AFL move for World Cup Qualifiers: All the World Cup news, Heather Garriock talks Matildas, Amy Taylor talks Football Superstars, Fitsum, Michella and Eamonn have the quiz, dedications and all the A-League news.

Locally:
Catch up on the latest developments in Canberra. A-League for Canberra, Women's League, Kanga Cup, Danny Macor joins us in the studio, Russ and Chris look back at the ACT Rockets and ACTAS Mariners games.

Local Nearpost podcast

ACT Sports Minister talks Hawker upgrades.
Capital Football CEO Heather Reid talks National Women's League and Hawker and future development plans.
Former Soccer Futsalroo Danny Macor retires from Belconnen United Premier League
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Socceroos to benefit Canberra A-League?

So 70,000 watched the Socceroos v China last week and only 48,000 filed in to the same stadium on Saturday, some on free tickets, to watch the Wallabies take on World Cup finalists France.

Interesting times. But does it have any benefits to the Canberra A-League bid? Yes it does, and here's three Canberra anecdotes to start you thinking.

"Where are we going Mum?" Asked the fourteen year old girl on Sunday afternoon as Mum drove along Northbourne Avenue, Canberra.

"We're going to Sydney," replied the Mum.

The Mum looked in the mirror. She could see her daughter's expression, puzzled, Very puzzled. The girl put her book down and looked out of the window.

"SYDNEY!" she shouted, "I thought you said we were just nipping to Woolies.

"What are we going to Sydney for?"

"To watch the Socceroos."

The girl beamed. The Mum, A Rugby League fan, had never been to a football game, let alone a Socceroos game. Her daughter loves and plays football. She loves the Socceroos.

And the verdict:
"It was fantastic, the chanting all through the game was great. We'll be back!"

ANECDOTE 2
Sitting watching girls Under 10 football at Majura SC Canberra a mother of one of our new players walked up. The mum, Jane, has never been to a football game, never played, and her kids have only just started this year.

We chat, discuss the daughters improving performances and how much she is enjoying her first season.

The Mum, I've a thing for Mum's clearly, said, "Tell me about the World Cup Qualifiers. I've an Iranian friend at work and he's going off about Iran. Tell me what happens now. I'd love to go to a Socceroos game."

My jaw dropped! And I've not doubt she will!

Anecdote 3
"Hey Eamonn, my man, going to the Socceroos China game?" said Azurri supporting friend.
"Why?"
"Kate, (15 year old daughter who attends an all girl school in Canberra) wants to go!"

Now if that is happening across this city, and I believe it is, clearly there is a supporter base to be tapped for a Canberra A-League side.

What do you think?

Nikolai Topor-Stanley off to Galatasaray?

Canberra's Socceroo Nikolai Topor-Stanley comes off contract at the end of next season.

Seems like he could be off to Turkey, or possibly the more lucrative English Championship. The Glory will want a fee, and with Topor-Stanley expected to play in the Olympics in August, he may not move until January.

Watch him while you can!

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