Part one of my interview with Sergio García, we talked about the development and expectations of the Socceroos is South Africa. In part two we talk about certain stars- past, present, and future- of Australian football as well as the growth of the game as well there.
He also talks about the respect and admiration that there is for MLS in that area of the world.
Juan Arango: Tell me a little bit about Tommy Oar and his development at Brisbane.
Sergio García : Tommy Oar is an 18 year old that came out of the Queensland Institute of Sport (QIS) and signed with then QLD Roar making 26 appearances and scoring two goals. He’s made 16 appearances for Australia’s U20’s scoring 1 goal and has one call up from Pim’s Socceroos.An exciting player who can use his speed and technique extremely well in his left wing position. Having just trialed in the Netherlands for Utrecht and clearly impressed as he has since signed with them. A great young talent with a huge future.
JA: Reading press clippings about the Socceroos in Australian media and they (the media) seem to be brewing up lots of "hysteria" over the World Cup cycle itself. Tell me how does the Australian media cover or treat the team and game there.
SG: The Socceroos are by far the biggest brand to come out of Australia. And with huge corporate backing such as QANTAS Airlines who fly the boys to all games in complete style. The media for the most part loves the Socceroos. It sells newspapers. They are supportive of the sport and the brand and the high profile players always receive good media coverage. As we get closer to the World Cup the Socceroos experience fantastic coverage. However, there is a Tall Poppy syndrome in our media and as quickly as they (the media) praise our Socceroos they can turn on them.
JA: Outside of the media, how is the game growing there as they have to compete with the Wallabies, rugby league, and Australian Rules football?
SG: Football or Soccer as most Australians refer to it has the biggest participation rate for ages 6-16 approx.The A-League is growing. Free to air coverage is reserved for Rugby League, Pay TV takes care of the A-League by injecting needed funds for the rights to all games. I believe it will take upto 10 years for it to be completely accepted by TV and the media.
JA: How is the MLS and US soccer perceived in Australia?
SG: In many respects it’s talked about much the way the A-League is here at home. Although in my opinion the MLS is a far better organized competition, as for USA Soccer, well they get better and better each time I watch them play. A credit to both the MLS and US Soccer.
JA: Here in the States, people outside of MLS tend to look at or use the A-League as a cross-reference. Tell me a bit about the current situation of the Australian A-League from a stability and growth standpoint.
SG: It can only get bigger. It is our hope that while it grows it can also offer both new and existing clubs the stability it currently lacks. Clubs are doing it tough particularly as the media has no problem reporting how bad the crowds are in numbers. My response to that statement. .A-League games are aired to Pay TV subscribers who pay approximately $60.00 per month for the privilege. Now, the regular family of 2 adults and 2 children to attend an A-League game will set them back approximately$60.00 in tickets alone. We need a better solution and Sydney FC are taking the initiative by stating they would like to offer children under 15 free entry to games if accompanied by an adult. It’s a start. This will allow growth and offer stability.
JA: Tell me more about the situation with North Queensland Fury.
SG: The FFA has moved in and hopes to offer it’s financial support.Fury’s Coach, Ferguson has moved to Perth Glory as Assistant Coach, and we have heard Robbie Fowler will take a pay cut and offer to stay on as Player-Coach. Personally, I did not think their was a market for 3 clubs in one state. I feel that area grew too fast and no-one could foresee the problems they had with generating crowds for their games. I attended the Sydney FC vs Fury game in Sydney specifically to watch Robbie Fowler and to my surprise it was a normal crowd of 6-7,000.
JA: It seems like Melbourne Heart are making waves both for the long and short term with signings like Colosimo and Aloisi.
SG: And now Sydney FC’s Keeper Clint Bolton. I was told some months ago they were going Dutch for their coach and I believe the state of Victoria can cope with a second club. I also believe they will be a club to watch. They have been very careful with their signings and on the surface look like they will be prepared to do whatever it takes to start the season well and operate the club professionally.
Special thanks to Sergio García. For more information on the A-League you can log on to Australian Football Players or check out Simply Futbol for more articles.
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