15,000 to Canberra A-League games

Interesting response from fans of football on FourfourTwo website. In fact there are pages of responses!

A NEW A-League club in Canberra would draw in 15,000 to home games, according to a new study by the backers of the capital's bid.

Transact CEO Ivan Slavich today released the results of Orima Market Research recently undertaken for the Canberra A-League Bid Committee.



"It's very positive news for Canberra, regional New South Wales football, and our A-League bid," said bid leader Transact CEO Ivan Slavich.

"More than 15,000 people are expected to attend every home game. And almost 70% of households are saying they would consider going to games.

"Football is booming across Canberra, New South Wales and Australia and we are seeing the results in our research. Interestingly support is strong from both males and females.

"It matches the anecdotal evidence we've gathered from around the junior clubs of Canberra."

He added: "We expect an increase in positive responses when we are accepted into the league for 2010 and build towards our first game.

"And further research will include all the fans from regional New South Wales who would come to the games. The Brumbies get almost 15% of their support from outside Canberra, we'd aim to match or improve on this."

Canberra United FC play their first game in the new Westfield Women's League in October and the A-League bid team hope they can create a development pathway for local boys too.

"Football is the biggest participation code in Canberra and the region," said Slavich.

"More than 17,000 play every week in Canberra alone, and the capital of Australia should have a team in the National League."

Football Federation Australia is expected to discuss Canberra's 2010/11 bid in mid-October along with West Sydney and Wollongong.