Nearpost Football

Sunday, 10 August 2008

Australia Argentina: This one could hurt.

Big game tonight. Can Arnie's defence hold out? and perhaps more importantly can we create....anything!

Australia earned a point, outplayed generally by Serbia in the opening game, but yet if the fastly improving Billy Celeski had scored rather than unluckily hit the post we would surely have won. That goal would have made it 2-0.

That said if Serbia took their chances and had a little more luck we'd have been 3 down before we scored!

Arnie's men, the much-maligned Graham Arnold may well be in the fray for the first Coach of the Canberra A-League team, but he needs the result of his life tonight.

It's not inspiring stuff is it?

The still moody Mark Milligan, Stuart Musialik, Trent McClenahan, Ruben Zadkovich and David Carney strung across the midfield supplying the ammo for the willing Archie Thompson and Nikita Rukavystya.

Not many creative players in the midfield is there. Carney produced something against Serbia but compared to the Serbia midfield Tokic or Argentinean Riguelme, Messi and the rest we don't have the capacity.

We can criticise. We needed Nicky Carle, or maybe Brett Holman or even Nathan Burns. Certainly something more creative than we have in that line-up.

It not's going to be pretty tonight. For us it can't be.

But Arnie has a reasonably strong defence, a reasonably sound defensive midfield who will be severely tested tonight.

We really need to remember where our players play, Hereford, Derby reserves or in Millsy's case he doesn't etc before we completely get disillusioned about the style.

We want the style but as yet we don't have the level of player required in the final third and that includes Burns, Carle and co.

Funny but we sort of mirror the National team, and that's the worry come World Cup Qualifier time.

Hold on to your hats this one could hurt!

Member 364 from Brazil, 360 from Melbourne

From Melbourne Victory to Brazil. They are signing up for Canberra football. Here's why.

Werner Kraus is Brazilian, a former Canberra ANU PHD student around about ten years ago, has fond memories of playing Purple Shins, ANU gym Futsal and various games around the Ovals of Canberra. He and his family were among the crowd at the Brazil Australia Futsal game on Kate's Slab down by the lake, now a Car Park around ten years ago or more!

Werner is now living and working in Brazil. He's our latest member at No. 364. He's also translated our documents into Portugese, more on that in the coming weeks.

And Nathan Zhivov, a Melbourne Victory fan living in Melbourne. Nathan worked for a few years in Canberra feels a close affinity with the place and loves his football. He would to see an A-League team in Canberra. We're the Capital, we want the World Cup. He sees the sense, he signed up.

I think you the fans of Canberra can encourage more interstate and overseas members particularly those with Canberra connnections.

Interesting technology opportunities in this modern world innit!

If the Canberra Cosmos had the Internet they'd still be here today....:)

Friday, 8 August 2008

We need the members..investor money is coming!!!!!

FourFourTwo said

Slavich was adamant that if all those who had expressed an interest were to put their hands in their pockets then finance would no longer be an issue.

So sign-up and convince them. Full article below

EXCLUSIVE: Canberra's A-League bid team will use the W-League’s capital side as leverage when they meet the FFA next week.
Bid head Ivan Slavich is delighted with the momentum being generated and believes next Friday’s get together is an important chance to show Canberra is deadly serious about A-League entry.

Slavich told au.fourfourtwo.com: “They (the FFA) want to eyeball us and make sure that we’re fair dinkum.

“That will be a preliminary meeting and we then expect to make our presentation to them some time before August 27.”

Slavich remains confident that Canberra will be able to secure the $5-$6 million needed to really convince the FFA that the bid can get off the ground.

He said: “We have a five-year (business) plan and will be putting that to a number of potential investors on Tuesday and then the FFA.

Slavich was adamant that if all those who had expressed an interest were to put their hands in their pockets then finance would no longer be an issue.

“A lot of hard work is going into this and the support is there, not just in Canberra but beyond as well,” he said.

Slavich remains hopeful of securing financial support from the ACT government and two investors have already pledged $500,000 each.

The A-League4canberra group is also offering 5000 foundation memberships at $200 each, to raise $1million of the $6million required as start-up costs.

The scheme is designed to generate both cash and public support – two factors the FFA will need convincing are in place.

He said: “Having those 5,000 members on board can help us convince them we are serious here, which we certainly are.”

The bid leader is hoping membership will be into four figures by the time he meets with the FFA.

Slavich insists the passion for an A-League Canberra team is there and the fact that Canberra has been so readily welcomed into the new women’s league should make a powerful statement about the game’s popularity.

He said: “I think the fact that Canberra has had a team accepted into the W-League should send a very clear signal. There is the support here for this game, no question.

"And again, I come back to the fact that we have the capital of New Zealand represented in the A-League but not the capital of Australia.”

While championing Canberra’s own case, Slavich will also raise the issue of expansion as a whole when he meets the FFA.

It looks highly likely that two teams will be admitted to the A-League for 2009-10 and a further two for 2010-11. Slavic doesn’t see why there can’t be more immediate entry for teams if they meet all the criteria.

He said: “If you have the finances and and you have the community support then what’s the problem?”

The FFA is expected to formally ratify Gold Coast and Townsville’s A-League slots on August 27.

Can you help the A-League bid

We need people next weekend to handout leaflets, talk up the A-League bid at shopping centres around Canberra and the Region. We have the leaflets and posters. Grab a mate and even if you can give the cause just one hour of your time, contact me ASAP. flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com give a day, time and shopping centre. Thanks.

For football!

Sign-up Saturday....and Sunday:)

For the Canberra Region A-League bid tomorrow is sign-up Saturday. Ask at your club or do it online. At www.a-league4canberra.com, also find your Club Ambassador online at the site.

Singaporeans sign up for Canberra

The potential for overseas sign-ups for the Canberra and Region A-League team is, I believe, significant.

Overnight Razif Bahari from Singapore, left Canberra 5 years ago, only failed to sign-up as he got an error message. But the email he sent to his friends, (see below) all ex-Canberrans, from other countries is interesting.

Hi folks

I am doing my bit for Canberra soccer. We are looking to get financial support to get a Canberra team in the Australian A-league. A group of canberra soccer fans are raising money to back up a consortium to push for a canberra team to be in the A-league for the 2010/11 season (see email below).

Come on, guys! Let's do our bit for Canberra. I am signing up. It's A$200 to be a foundation member, and as a Foundation Member you will be entitled to future benefits once the bid is successful. These include:

recognition on the official A-League4Canberra site (if you choose)
reduced season tickets
free entry into all ACT Premier league games for the next 5 years
free entry to the newly established women's W - League Canberra team, Canberra United
membership certificate identifying you as a foundation member

All money contributed by Foundation Members will be held in a Trust account. If unsuccessful, all money contributed by Foundation Members will be refunded in full.

As ANU alumni with cherished memories of soccer games at Chifley field, north, south oval, toad hall, epic battles with the Hongkie team, all-night soccer manager sessions at my place in Graduate Court, indoor soccer competition with the Magic Roundabout, etc. it's time to give back to Canberra.

Sign up at www.a-league4canberra.com now!

Hope to read your names on the site.

Razif

Thursday, 7 August 2008

Olyroo battling start.

First Canberran, Nikolai Topor-Stanley into 2008 Olympics, appropriately it's for football our most popular sport.

Haircut Zadkovich, all the rage in Derby this year, scored for Australia in a battling performance against Serbia tonight in the opening game of the Under 23 World Cup. A tight battle ended 1-1 after Serbia equalised late on.

Were we happy?
Yes and no. A hard-working well drilled performance from the Aussies with a lack of creativity in the final third putting a big question mark over our ability to qualify.

Still all games at the World Cup are difficult. Aussie boys done good I reckon at this stage of our development against Euro Runners-up. Argentina next up.

Channel Seven. A commentator not in the city. Break to ads. Break to an announcement for a guy we all knew weeks ago he'd got the Flag job. Prime Coverage 3/10. What will they do for the Argentina game:)
FFA RElease below.

The Australian Men’s Olympic Football team have begun their 2008 Olympic Games tournament with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Serbia in Shanghai tonight.

After a scoreless first half, Australian midfielder Ruben Zadkovich opened the scoring in the 69th minute when he found himself unmarked at the far post and at the end of a David Carney cross. Zadkovich was able to slip his shot into the net from a very acute angle.

Australia could have doubled their lead shortly afterwards when substitute Billy Celeski struck a great shot only to see his attempt hit the post and bounce back into play.

Serbia equalised in the 78th minute through Slobadan Rajkovic who headed home a corner from within the six-yard box.

Both teams worked hard for the winning goal but in the end had to settle for a point each.

Australia will play their second match of the 2008 Olympic Games Men’s Football Tournament against Argentina at Shanghai Stadium on Sunday 10 August (Kick-off 7:00pm AEST).

ENDS

Match Details

Australia 1 (Ruben Zadkovich 69’)
Serbia 1 (Slobodan Rajkovic 78’)
Thursday 8 August 2008
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai, China PR
Referee: Jerome Damon (RSA)
Assistant Referees: Enock Molefe (RSA) & Celestin Ntagungira (RWA)
Fourth Official: Thomas Einwaller (AUT)
Crowd: 36,184

Australia line-up: 1.Adam Federici (gk), 2.Jade North, 4.Mark Milligan (Capt) (16.Billy Celeski 66’), 5.Matthew Spiranovic, 6.Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 8.Stuart Musialik, 10.Archie Thompson (15.Kristian Sarkies 76’), 11.David Carney, 12.Trent McClenahan, 13.Ruben Zadkovich, 17.Nikita Rukavytsya (9.Mark Bridge 88’).

Substitutes Not Used: 18.Tando Velaphi (gk), 3.Adrian Leijer, 14.James Troisi, 27.Neil Kilkenny.

Yellow Cards: Matthew Spiranovic 50’, Trent McClenahan 60’.

Red Cards: Nil

Serbia line-up: 1.Vladimir Stojkovic (gk) (Capt), 2.Marko Jovanovic, 3.Aleksandar Kolarov, 5.Slobodan Rajkovic, 7. Milan Smiljanic, 8.Nikola Gulan (4.Gojko Kacar 73’), 9.Djordje Rakic (14.Milan Mrdakovic 56’), 12.Dusan Tadic, 13.Ljubomir Fejsa (15.Aleksander Zivkovic 77’) 16.Nenad Tomovic, 17.Zoran Tosic.

Substitutes Not Used:, 6.Predrag Pavlovic, 11. Dusko Tosic, 18. Sasa Stamnekovic (gk), 19.Andrija Kaludjerovic.

Yellow Cards: Zoran Tosic 79’.

Red Cards: Nil

Men's Football Section of the 2008 Australian Olympic Team

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

Alternate Players
Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory), James Holland (Newcastle Jets), Chris O’Connor (Bray Wanderers, Ireland), Matt Simon (Central Coast Mariners).

Upcoming Match Details

Olympic Football Tournament – Beijing 2008

Argentina v Australia
Sunday 10 August 2008 (Kick-Off Time 17:00pm CST (19:00pm AEST))
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai, China

Côte d’Ivorie v Australia
Wednesday 13 August 2008 (Kick-Off Time 19:45pm CST (21:45pm AEST))
Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Tianjin, China

New A-League Coach: Adelaide United

ADELAIDE UNITED FC ANNOUNCES COACH FOR NEW W-LEAGUE

ADELAIDE UNITED FC ANNOUNCES COACH FOR NEW W-LEAGUE

Adelaide United FC has named Michael Barnett as the club’s Women’s Team Coach for Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) new national women’s league, the Westfield W-League.

Barnett is the current coach of local South Australian Super League club MetroStars and has over a decade of coaching experience, which includes two years in charge of the men’s SA State Team.

Adelaide United Director of Football Michael Petrillo said Barnett’s depth of experience and enthusiasm for the role is perfect for the start up of the new competition.

“Mike and Adelaide United have the same philosophy in its commitment to assisting women’s football in this country, being successful at a national level and contributing to the overall growth and profile of the women’s game in Australia,” Petrillo said.

The appointment will be the first time Barnett has coached a women’s team, and he sees the position as an exciting step in his coaching journey.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to further my career as a coach, and also help develop the women’s game to a national level,” Barnett said.

“I can see that the women’s game, with the progress it has made in the past 12 months with the Matilda’s performance at the World Cup, is really ready to explode in this country.”

Barnett will spend the next month identifying talent and compiling a squad, before resuming training ahead of the start of the Westfield W-League Season, which kicks off on October 25.

“There is now a pathway for local players to showcase their talents on a national level so I expect the game to really grow,” Barnett said.

“The next couple of years are going to be really big for the sport, it gives everybody at every club an opportunity to show their wares and I am sure we will unearth some good players around the clubs.”

The new women’s league was formed after a landmark agreement between the FFA and Westfield, and will comprise of a ten round competition (plus finals) with teams from each of the seven Australian Hyundai A-League clubs as well as Canberra.

“I’m really happy to be on board as a coach at the club. I’m sure the women’s Adelaide United team will get the support from the men’s side and it will be another South Australian side that everyone can get behind,” Barnett said.

Female Radio Hosts Needed....and men.

A new football radio show is being planned to start soon on 98.3FM 2XX in Civic. 3-5pm on a Saturday. As the W-League is set to start, women's football in Canberra will explode. Do you want to leave all the analysis, jokes and comments to blokes like me!

Where is the next female commentator, host, presenter,sideswiper and analysers.

Don't leave the analysis/hosting to men. Join the team and formulate the new show, and we need women and a couple 98.3FM's new studios.

A team of about 6-8 hosts/presenters are required to keep the thing on air throughout the year. Ever wanted to talk football? Overseas, Junior, Men and Women's Socceroos, Matildas, A-League W-League. Here's your chance to take the listener to the World Cup 2010!

Young or old. We'll train you in radio skills, bring your football knowledge, humour and passion and spread the joy of football on 98.3FM 2XX.

We'll be streamed across Australia and the World so even if your mates won't listen to you someone will:)

University student, fan of the game, Coach, junior expert, local knowledge, a quizmaster, the best female commentator in Canberra, female host we love them and need them...and we need males as well.

As the Women's game in Canberra is set to explode don't leave it to the know-all old blokes like me, shake up Canberra, be the female football voice of the city.

Canberra A-League: Word spreads.

They are talking about us!

Olympics start tonight for Olyroos

9pm on delay on Prime. What can you expect from such a station?

Still, Australia will open the Under 23 World Cup still known by some as the Olympics against Serbia in the Men's football tonight. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, the former Tuggeranong Junior is a certain starter. With Argentina the next opposition we need at least a point or a win to have a hope of going through th group of death..

Ever wondered why we are always in the Group of Death:)

Canberra A-League Bid: Two more investors?

Walking past a Canberra Bus Stop this morning I heard two more Canberra A-League investors ready to jump on board. The bid is expected to receive another $1 million later today. Two individuals are expected to confirm their plans with Ivan Slavich ahead of next weeks investor meeting.

Oh and another Gold Sponsor was on the bus when it arrived. Got to love your Action Buses.

Ivan Slavich convinces the Ambassadors

Ivan Slavich's delivery, supported by excellent media, viral, tv, poster and web design campaign from Ash Morgan and the team at Zoo receieved an overwhelming vote of support from Canberra A-League inaugural Ambassadors.

Canberra's favourite football journo Merryn Sherwood from the Canberra Times has a story in the paper and for more from me on the meeting read on...

The faithful and true believers had signed up to be Ambassadors. There is no doubt it was a hopeful group who entered the room last night.

But in Canberra and the region we're an intelligent mob and we still take some convincing to part with our money, especially for a football team which doesn't exist.

279 people has taken the plunge before last nights meeting.

How many more will now join, and how quickly?

The mood was overwhelmingly supportive after the meeting. Ivan Slavich presented a powerful, emotive and intelligent case for the Canberra A-League team.

It truly is now or never. With the support Ivan has garnered and continues to garner across the business community, and I can confirm that there is another sponsor and investor lined up after last nights meeting, we have a marvellous opportunity to get a team.

I'd spoken to all Ambassadors over the last week. All were positive but some reservations remained.

After the meeting, everyone I spoke was convinced this is the time and the man to support.

Sure there was a broad ranging discussion:

1. Cooma wanted to be assured it was a team for the region. The name Canberra could be a sticking point, and may detract from the ability to sell the message to fans and investors from Cooma, Goulburn, Bateman's Bay, Young, Cowra, Albany, Wagga, Coota, and beyond.

All these regional towns have football teams and many would make the journey on match day.

We clearly need to attract and include them. And Ivan Slavich mentioned that if the ACT Government was a major investor the naming thing could be a problem. But he stated over and over that this is a team for the Region, from the Coast to Shepparton South Sydney to Thredbo.

Would players visit the regions, take games to the Regions

2. A discussion was raised regarding the posters. Some wanted to see a girl, young boys rather than just the blokes. Couldn't agree more.

3. The structure of the club. Ivan spoke of his desire to have the Foundation Members represented on the board, but he also acknowledged it would depend on the requirements from Investors. At this stage he wasn't prepared to dictate terms to investors.

4. Being a Foundation Member being part of history and having your name appear as a Foundation Member forever was a point which clearly hit home.

5. Entrance to all W-League and ACT Premier League games for FIVE years free, a cap and t-shirt will also be given to Foundation Members, and of course discounted season tickets.

6. The Youth League has announced it's draw and there are seven teams in it. Abye every weekend. The issue was, strongly raised, that we should be playing now. Tasmania are not in the league and will be playing a few games against Sydney and Melbourne in the bye. But not Canberra. Why not?

At this stage this is not the responsibility of the A-League team although the future A-League side will come under the A-League Management structure.

Interviews from The City News, Canberra Times and University of Canberra Media.

7. Jessica Salvage, from www.linkwebservices.com.au has a number of banner images which can be used on our blog, website, email etc. Examples include the one at the top right of this blog and more impressively Jessica has added it to her www.sundaysoccer.org site. It should be up later today. All clubs and businesses can do the same. And Jess can assist if anyone should need help.

And there is an ability to download a poster/payment form which will be live later today on the www.a-league4canberra.com

Tuesday, 5 August 2008

Ivan Slavich talks Canberra A-League: Sign up now!

Ivan Slavich, "Foundation Members to get FREE tickets to all W-League games for FIVE years and FREE entry to all Capital Football Premier League for FIVE years." Free members hats and T-Shirts on the way. Have you signed up yet?

Hear all about the bid in tonight's show. The Committee, The State of Play, and how can this bid fail when you hear how many of the Business Community are already on board. A new investor and a new Gold Sponsor announced tonight. Even after the show we heard there were two more potential sponsors in the wings. Now we just need people to sign up, and quick.

Canberra football about to explode! It will if you sign-up now.

Local Show:
Download

National Show:
Phil Moss on the Olyroos.
Ivan Slavich, the man behind the Canberra A-League bid.

Download

Canberra Times: Ned Zelic/Carl Valeri sign up.

Canberra Times are giving the A-League bid a great boost Ned Zelic has signed up and is keen to see a team in Canberra. Good stuff Chris Dutton and The Canberra Times and great support from Ned and Carl Valeri. Come on Canberra let's sign up. We can do it.

National Youth League Draw announced

Sad to see all the byes..seems like a waste with Canberra Rockets sitting idle.

FFA RELEASES NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE DRAW
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today released the inaugural National Youth League 2008/09 season draw.

The seven Australian based Hyundai A-League clubs will participate in the 21 round competition which will begin on Friday 26 September 2008.

“The establishment of a National Youth League competition is an important component of the National Football Development Plan,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.

“This is a competition which will provide an important link between elite youth football, the Hyundai A-League competition and the national representative teams, not only for players, but also coaches and referees.

“For the first time, talented young players will have an opportunity to play regular, quality competitive games regardless of whether they are part of the AIS program, the State sports institutes or the State football leagues.

“Football offers young, talented male athletes fantastic opportunities within Australia as well as unparalleled opportunities to represent Australia on the biggest stage in world sport,” Buckley said.

Of the 63 regular round fixtures, 32 matches will be played as curtain raisers to Hyundai A-League matches, whilst the remaining matches will be played at alternate venues on other dates.

At the end of the 21 rounds, the top two teams will play-off in the National Youth League Grand Final on Saturday 21 February 2009, one week prior to the Grand Final in the Hyundai A-League competition.

The National Youth League will feature the following competition rules:

* Youth Player Age Range
Youth players must be born between 1987 - 1991 to be eligible for the National Youth League 2008/09 season.
* Over-age players
Clubs may use up to 4 over-age players in their squads for National Youth League matches

* Guaranteed Game Time
Each of the Youth players must play a minimum of 30 minutes per match

ENDS

National Youth League – Competition Details

Competition Format

* 7 clubs
- Adelaide United
- Central Coast Mariners
- Melbourne Victory
- Newcastle Jets
- Perth Glory
- Queensland Roar
- Sydney FC

* Season: 21 rounds (Each team has 18 Matches + 3 Byes)

* National Youth League to commence Friday 26 August 2008

* Age 17 – 21 (must turn 17 on or after 1 January in year the Youth League commences), maximum age is 21; must turn no older than 21 on or after 1 January in the year the National Youth League commences

* 15 Players on the team sheet.

* Each Youth Player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time

* 4 over-age players (including Goal Keeper) allowed to play in National Youth League Match

National Youth League Player Regulations
* 10 – 12 Youth Players per club
* Youth Players will sign a National Youth League Development Agreement which is of amateur status
* Minimum agreement period– 1 season
* Maximum agreement period – 2 years
* Hyundai A-League Clubs can select any player within the age group, must be Australian (or in the process of obtaining citizenship) and can be from the AIS
* Hyundai A-League clubs must draw replacement players from the Youth League Player Squad, except under exceptional circumstances

Coaches
* Each nominated Youth Head Coach should t hold a minimum of a AFC - B Coaching License (or acknowledged equivalent). For more details go to coaching.footballaustralia.com.au

Referees
* Match Officials for National Youth League matches will be drawn from an elite panel of referees which have been identified for future Hyundai A-League appointments.

I've booked for Tokyo

Had to share it with someone. World Cup Qualifer in Tokyo Japan Australia Feb 11th. Ive booked my flights.
Jetstar, no bags, just the toothbrush. Can't wait. Football passion.

Monday, 4 August 2008

Ivan Slavich goes Nearpost Radio

Our Special Guest on Nearpost Radio/Podcast on Tuesday will be Ivan Slavich the Canberra A-League Bid Leader. Ivan will join us on 98.3Fm Canberra Community Radio on Tuesday from 6.45pm. Show starts 6.30pm-7.30pm. We will have an extended interview with Ivan in the second half of the show but will also chat to him in the National half hour.

If you have anything you'd like to know about the bid or the man send me an email flanaganDotEamonnATgmailDotcom or post here.

Sunday, 3 August 2008

Sign-up ideas I've received.

People have been suggesting a heap of things so I'll list as many as I can remember.

Probably the first question is:
Would you like to see an A-League team in Canberra. y/n.

If yes, then just $200 will get you a team.

Often people ask what will I get? I say a team..then the tickets and money back guarantee.

Target people who have already been to Socceroos Matildas A-League Overseas or who watch football on the tv.

Target small business, registered clubs to buy a membership for themselves, their business or as a gift.

Posters at club grounds, sign-up sheets at club grounds (need to be careful with credit details if people agree to sign-up at the ground.)

Walk around on Sat/Sunday morninga at your or any club.

Organise sign-ups in Civic and other shopping centres.

Banners on Road bridges.

Posters at work, uni and your school, with web address tear off slips at the bottom.
On myspace, facebook, txt, any webbased site etc.

A couple of young guys have come up with some crazy ideas. As long as it's legal and brings no disrespect to the bid, people of football then go for it.

Add to the list or email me and I'll do it.

Thursday, 31 July 2008

Canberra Online Memberships Launched

John Stanhope promises money for Canberra. Watch the end of video on the new Canberra website.

So it's simple, do you want a team? It's up to us, and let's encourage our football fans, friends and family to do our bit. There are thousands of us playing watching talking the game. We deserve the best for our city.

Canberrans can now sign-up for Foundation Memberships online.
The website is launched

The time is now.

Ambassador update: Smashed the target!

95 Ambassadors on board and rising!

I've taken advice from many and agreed to continue to take Ambassadors. If you believe you can get ten people to sign-up be a part of history and become an Ambassador. See details below.

Also there are a few clubs (Male and/or Female Ambassadors still wanted at:
ADFA, Lanyon, STFA, Marist, St Edmunds, Yass, Purple Shins, Telopea Park Comp,) Given the amazing response these clubs are places where either I have no direct contact, or people assume someone else will do it. Be good to get these and any groups I may have missed who like to be represented.

I've been unable to contact a few clubs, so far:) If you would like to fill the Ambassador role, (vacancies below) for your club we'd love to have you. We're aiming for 90 so we'll easily get to our target. Top, top response from everyone.

What does the Ambassador do.

1 Come to a meeting to hear Bid Leader Ivan Slavich speak and present the campaign. Wed coming 6pm Venue to be confirmed.
2 Agree to ten plus one campaign. Get ten people to sign-up as foundation members ($200)...they do it themselves you just encourage them and then ask them to get one more member each.

That is it. Just ten, no more, no less. Then it's job done for you.

90 x 10 would give us 900 members if they all get one more, that's 1800 and with the chatter across the city and clubs and the advertising about to ramp up we could change football in this town forever.

Ambassadors can be anyone with a love of the game, and feel free to suggest another category. We will close the list at 90.

Vacancies:
Male and/or Female Ambassadors still wanted at:
ADFA, Lanyon, STFA, Marist, St Edmunds, Yass, Purple Shins, Telopea Park Comp,

Female Ambassadors wanted at:
UCPumas,Radford, Girl's Grammar, Canberra FC, Canberra City, Narrahbundah, Players FC, O'Connor Knights, Tuggeranong Juniors.

Male Ambassadors only wanted at:
Belwest Foxes.

Contact me: flanaganDOTeamonnATgmailDOTcom Would love to hear from you.

Picture from C.Times

Canberra's Caitlin Munoz, left, and Lydia Williams, third from right, joined Heather Garrock, Sarah Walsh, Karla Reuter, Tanya Oxtoby, Cheryl Salisbury, Melissa Barbieri, Jenna Tristram, Di Alagich and Victoria Balomenos at the launch of the W-League in Sydney. Picture: BONITA MERSIADES

Green's great but where's the white hoops said the Celtic fan. Should be a close to a ground record crowd at the first game at McKellar. What do you think?

Local Rumours

Football thrives on rumours and take these with a big pinch of Canberra Spin.
Dom Giampaolo...
to trial with Jets first team, Dane Milovanovic heads to Europe, Sam Munro to trial with Sydney FC Youth.

Carl Valeri off to Serie A, currently he is training twice a day in the mountains in Northen Italy. "We're getting smashed."

Summer League quashed, The Gong pulled the pin. ACT Rockets to play Rep games during the summer.

Wednesday, 30 July 2008

Canberra leading Wollongong A-League bid

They might have a more impressive website (ours is yet to be launched, probably Thursday or Friday), and they've been going a lot lot longer, but they are behind already in the financial stakes. We've got em, believe me we've got em.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/81422,south-coast-bid-on-course.aspx

EXCLUSIVE: SOUTH Coast Football’s bid for an A-League franchise has already generated $2.5m with a scheme in place to add a further $2m.
Around $5m is the minimum sum needed to demonstrate a serious bid and cause Football Federation Australia to sit up and take notice.

South Coast have launched their official website in the last 24 hours with a poll in place to choose a name for the team, who would play home games in Wollongong.

Bid chairman Eddy De Gabriele is delighted with the momentum being generated and is looking forward to the next stage in convincing the FFA to grant them a place in the competition.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I think we’re about halfway (to the $5m start up figure) and we are very close to putting an innovative model to the FFA in the next few weeks designed to generate $2m.

“I can’t say any more at this stage but it’s a unique scheme that’s very much in line with our belief in a community engagement.

“We will put this to the FFA and hope they can see the merits.”

The bid team say getting the community on board has been as important as generating funds with a clear message that this is not a ‘Wollongong’ or ‘Illawara’ bid, it is for the South Coast area as a whole.

De Gabriele insists the bid, backed by Socceroos Scott Chipperfield and Tim Cahill, is one that tells it how it is rather than seek headlines without substance.

He said: “We are part of the community and we’re not interested in creating a smoke and mirrors situation. We are concentrating on our own efforts and we haven’t been making public comments about other bids.”

Time is running out to convince the FFA that South Coast should feature in the 2009-10 competition but De Gabriele is still not ruling it out completely.

He said: “To be honest I think our window for that is only there for another four to eight weeks though.”

As for a name for the South Coast team, the options to vote on are Diamonds, Reds, Angels, Stars or Dolphins.

A big effort is planned to woo potential investors this weekend when Wollongong plays host to Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix in the Pre-Season Cup.

“We’re working hard on bringing both business and the public to the game,” said De Gabriele. The bid website is www.southcoastfootball.com.au.

Canberra A-League Bid: Ambassador program

Ambassedor Venue Changed: TBC

So far 66 phone calls and 62 people have signed up for the 10 plus 1 Canberra A-League bid Official Ambassador program!

Wow! Thanks for your outstanding support, you have encouraged me to keep going and get to my target of 90 Ambassadors before Saturday. It is really encouraging to see so many so willing to help garner the grassroots support for a Canberra team.

With Ivan Slavich building a huge head of steam, this is a great opportunity to get a team in Canberra. I'm aiming for 90 and if you can help please contact me if you can commit to the role. Read below to find out when the Ambassador meets Ivan Slavich, the bid leader, and what the Ambassador has to do. It's an important but limited time commitment.

Meeting with Ivan Slavich
Wed 6th August
Time 6pm
Place: Venue has changed tBc.
Who: All Ambassadors and people who think they will be an Ambassador.

What the Ambassador does:
Commits to 10 plus 1 campaign.

1. Comes to meeting and finds out by A-League bid from Ivan Slavich
2. Commits to getting 10 people, no more, no less, to sign up as Foundation Members.
3. Asks each Member then to get one more, no more no less.

That's it!

If you can do this, presumably when you are with your team, or club on a Saturday or Sunday, you'll know the 10 most likely who have already been to a Socceroos or A-League game or who are genuinely interested in a team in Canberra, with th Professional marketing campaign to kick in with advertising on Radio and in the Canberra Times and a viral web campaign, it shouldn't take much time.

Can you commit?

I've got 54, I'd love 90 and more than one from each club is fine.

Your name will appear on the official website due to be launched on Friday.

flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com if you can. Happy to call or for you to call me if you need clarfication.

Thanks for your support.

FFA: What Salary Cap?

The FFA are saying there is a salary cap of $150,000 for the W-League, but the teams are saying they won't be paying anyone!!!

Sure you can have a Salary Cap but if no-one has the money to spend then it's a tad meaningless. This one needs to be investigated for clarification. I'll make a phone call or three.

Record crowd at McKellar Stadium?

Having listened to Heather Reid on Nearpost Radio last night discussing plans for the first game in the Westfield W-League for Canberra United in October, I'm predicting a record crowd for McKellar Stadium. (Expected to be the venue but to be confirmed.)

With all the hype, the entertainment planned, it should be a day to remember and a great turn-out. Can't wait.

Nearpost Radio/Podcast available here

Nearpost Radio Historic Show:
All the news from the FFA's Bonita Mersiades on Westfield W-League, plus football hero and Green and Gold Army Member John McGauren.

Locally catch the A-League bid update and hear from Capital Football CEO Heather Reid on Canberra United news. Where will we play, who will play, costs, initial plans etc etc.

National Show.
Download

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Local Show:
Download

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Monday, 28 July 2008

Nearpost Radio Match Calls: Canberra United.

Plans are underway to call all Canberra W-League matches live. They will be streamed online so people from other States, nay the World can listen to Canberra's finest Commentators and Match Analysts.

Great experience for those interested and no pay!

I'm investigating the technical requirements and when we've got them sorted we'll be getting a team together who are interested in commentating and improving their commentary skills.

So if you are interested get practising and as soon as we get the nod on the technical side we'll be calling for demo tapes of just 5 minutes.

We want to aim for excellent match callers worthy of a National League.

There's a few ahead in the stakes at this stage, but it's a new dawn so let's see what talent is out there.

Canberra bid update: Can you help now?

Ambassadors: Ten plus one!

Can you help the Canberra A-League bid? Update of bid and Ambassador list below.

We are moving quickly towards our 24th August Canberra A-League Bid Submission date. Ivan Slavic is securing the funds we need, and we the fans of football can now assist to secure the members for our Canberra team.

People and money will be the key factors in passing the FFA's requirements.

Here's what an Ambassador does. (It’s neither long nor arduous )
We are asking football fans in our community to become Ateam4Canberra Official Ambassadors for their Club/Workplace/or local competition.

If you can secure just TEN paid-up Adult Foundation Members before 24th August....

We are moving quickly towards our 24th August Canberra A-League Bid Submission date. Ivan Slavic is securing the funds we need, and we the fans of football can now assist to secure the members for our Canberra team.

People and money will be the key factors in passing the FFA's requirements.

Here's what an Ambassador does. (It’s neither long nor arduous )
We are asking football fans in our community to become Ateam4Canberra Official Ambassadors for their Club/Workplace/or local competition.

If you can secure just TEN paid-up Adult Foundation Members before 24th August and with the professional marketing campaign to kick in we are well on our way to our membership target. That’s all you have to do. Get TEN paid-up members and ask each adult member to get one more adult themselves and you’ve done your bit for the Canberra A League team.

We envisage that this can be done by targeting your friends who play and watch the game already. This will have a significant effect on sign ups and will hugely assist the planned marketing, viral web and media advertising campaign which starts Wednesday.

Hear from Ivan Slavic.
There will be a meeting for all Ambassadors (You) to meet Ivan Slavic. We will email you to notify you of this time and venue. Ivan will outline the bid process and how we are progressing in detail and why you are so important to the future of a team in Canberra.

FAQs from potential members:
 What will I get for my $200 foundation membership?
Fans will get reduced season tickets and/or match day tickets when the Canberra team starts in 2010.
Important: Money is held in trust and returned in full should our bid fail.

Where do I sign-up?
Online: Coming with new website expected start Wednesday.
In person: At any Service One Credit Union

Support for your Ambassadors message:
Official Website is currently being created by Zoo (Design, Marketing, and Advertising Company.). FM Radio Advertising Campaign has started. Canberra Times Advertising coming soon.
All Ambassadors names will be listed on the Official Website.

Please help.
If you know of somebody who could fill the blank Ambassadorial positions below please ask them on behalf of our bid, and forward their name and email address once you have their agreement.

Thanks for your support

Eamonn Flanagan & Anthony Hatton
Flanagan.eamonn@gmail.com
"Anthony Hatton" ,

Affiliated Clubs Male Ambassador Female Ambassador
ADFA
ANU Men
ANU Women's SC
Belconnen United Steve Forshaw Nicole Somi
Belnorth John Williams
Belsouth
Belwest Foxes Katrina Neuss
Brindabella Blues FC Steve Doszpot
Canberra City Pat Caggiano
Canberra FC Ivan Gruicic
Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Canberra Olympic Angelo Konstantinou
Coerver Coaching Jason Lancsar
Cooma
Gungahlin United FC Fitsum Habtemarian Michella Bertrand
Lanyon United
Majura SC Sam Cavalli Donna Cook
Marist SC
Matildas/Socceroos/
Football Industry
Professionals Andrew Young/Ned Zelic
Amy Chapman/ Caitlin Munoz/Lydia Williams
Monaro Panthers
Narrabundah SC Aaron Walker
O'Connor Knights
Player's FC Anthony Hatton
Queanbeyan City
Radford Zek Patafta
RMC FC
Southern Tablelands Football Assocn
St Edmund's College
Tuggeranong United Juniors
Tuggeranong United Seniors Jeremy Butler
Tuggeranong United Women's
UC Pumas FC Tomy Percival
Weston Creek Kath Temple
White Eagles
Woden Valley FC Seniors
Woden Valley SC Juniors Karen Faichney
Yass
Purple Shins ANU Comp
Canberra Media Russ Gibbs Merryn Sherwood
Futsal Steve McIntyre
Indoor Fluffy Ball Dickson Richard Jones
ACTAS Robbie Hooker
Ainslie Sunday Comp
Telopea Park Comp
Former Presidents Walter Valeri/Steve Dozspot
Churches League
Capital Football Chris Gottaas Heather Reid
Facebook Claudio Cecchini
Coaches ACT Alex Butt
Canberra Referees Clive MacKillop Allyson Flynn
TBC Elliot Zwangobani, Michael West, Ivan Slavich

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