6 December 2022

Are Canberra clubs capable of capitalising on the success of the Socceroos and the Matildas?

| Tim Gavel
Join the conversation
8
Soccer ball

Is Canberra ready for a surge in participation in soccer? Photo: File.

For years soccer has been the sleeping giant in Canberra and fans have been left waiting for the world’s favourite sport to truly take off beyond the grass roots.

The positive signs are all there. Notably, soccer has more juniors than any other sport in Canberra by a country mile.

And thought has been given to player development. For example, there is an evolving pathways program for women in soccer leading to Canberra United.

Yet while the Raiders, Brumbies, AFL Canberra and Cricket have well-resourced facilities and purpose-built headquarters, soccer has been left behind.

The proposed football home at Throsby needs additional funding but is vital if the sport is to grow. Not only will there be additional playing fields established, but the proposal also includes a centre of excellence.

READ ALSO You’re driving along and a kangaroo jumps out in front of you – what should you do?

History shows that in the wake of the Socceroos’ performance at the World Cup, coupled with the anticipated interest in the Matilda’s next year with the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, there should be a further spike in interest in the code, coupled with renewed calls for an A League Men’s team.

The issue in Canberra, of course, is how to best cater to a surge in people wanting to play the sport given the existing strain on sporting facilities.

New suburbs are being established but that population growth hasn’t been matched by corresponding increases in sporting facilities.

The proposed new facility at Throsby will only go so far in meeting the demands for new soccer fields.

READ ALSO Stadium proposal faces steep challenges to get over the line

There will undoubtedly be a renewed push for a Canberra A-League men’s team as well as existing clubs seeking to join the proposed new national second division competition.

We have been down the A-League men’s path a number of times only for the goalposts to be moved.

Now though, there appears to be an appetite to expand the competition and it appears Canberra is in the box seat.

The ACT Government opted not to bid for Women’s World Cup games next year after it became clear it would be cost prohibitive. Despite not hosting games, the interest created will lead to a surge in potential playing numbers.

So soccer in Canberra is likely to expand significantly, but forward thinking is needed to respond to this anticipated surge in participation. Otherwise, the lack of facilities could end up holding the sport back if it isn’t addressed now.

Join the conversation

8
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.