Hopefully Ange throws him in Friday as he won't be fully prepared for Heskeytime and he can become the next on the list and become one of Heskey's Bitch'sQuote:
Originally Posted by Thomas477
Printable View
Hopefully Ange throws him in Friday as he won't be fully prepared for Heskeytime and he can become the next on the list and become one of Heskey's Bitch'sQuote:
Originally Posted by Thomas477
Good to see Bernardo getting a look in but a back 3 against a team with Flores in there worries me.Quote:
Jets home win would be gold
By JAMES GARDINER
Oct. 24, 2012, 11:03 p.m.
http://cdn.fairfaxregional.com.au/pr...402b504bd0.jpg
The Jets have a chance to eclipse their best start ot an A-League season.
AS far as omens go, a win over the Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium tomorrow night would be gold for the Newcastle Jets.
The Jets have a chance to eclipse their best start to an A-League campaign against a revitalised Victory, fresh from a maiden win under new coach Ange Postecoglou.
After opening the campaign with a deflating 2-0 loss to Adelaide at home, the Jets have recorded consecutive wins over their two fiercest rivals, Sydney FC (3-2) and Central Coast Mariners (2-1), to move to six points and a three-way share of the lead.
Maximum points against the Victory would keep the home side perched at the top of the tree, and surpass the eight points they took from the first four outings in 2007-08, the year they won the championship.
The difference then was they were unbeaten.
The Jets launched their title-winning campaign with a scoreless draw away to Perth, shared the points with the Roar (1-all) at home before back-to-back 1-0 triumphs over Wellington (away) and Adelaide (home).
It was good enough to have them placed second, the same position they held at the end of the regular season.
In those days, Joel Griffiths led the line, Jade North was captain and Ante Covic stood in goals.
Jobe Wheelhouse, Ben Kennedy and Ben Kantarovski are the only members of the championship-winning squad still at the club.
Kennedy was the reserve keeper, but Wheelhouse and Kantarovski did not feature in the grand final.
Though different in personnel, there are similarities between the two outfits.
Gary van Egmond, then in his first stint as coach, was in charge of his second campaign after inheriting the team mid-season the year before. It is the same scenario now, van Egmond having taken the reins three games into last season after Branko Culina was sacked.
Pace and mobility were key components of van Egmond's championship-winning team, as they are with his current side.
The formula of using mostly players on the up with a couple of experienced heads to guide the way is the same.
The Jets had the wood on the Victory on their way to the title, drawing 2-all at home to go with 2-0 and 3-1 wins on the road.
In fact, Newcastle are one of the few teams to boast a positive record over the Victorian powerhouse, recording 10 wins - more than any club - and four draws from their 21 games.
They won two out of three last season, the glitch being a 2-1 defeat at AAMI Park.
Victory presently sit in ninth place on three points, three points adrift of the Jets.
Postecoglou insists his teams play out from the back, which until perfected can lead to pressure and mistakes, evident by the Victory having leaked eight goals in three games.
With the ball, they boast the most completed passes (1205) and also lead in passing efficiency at 83 per cent - another trait of teams coached by Postecoglou - yet their nine shots on target is the lowest of the 10 teams.
The Jets have been far more direct, completing 661 passes at 75 per cent.
Van Egmond has been happy with their progress, especially defensively, but insists they have a way to go.
"We have worked on our defensive shape and we have made sure we are a lot more thrifty in conceding goals," he said after the win over the Mariners.
"It is something that we have worked at, but on the transition we have to be better.
"Win that ball, getting people into position, not having as many touches and creating better rhythm in our build-up.
"Those are the areas we need to work on."
The Jets trained with a back four and a back three yesterday.
In-form striker Ryan Griffiths, who has provided two goals and two assists, sat out the session with a neck complaint.
Scott Neville, out with a groin injury, did a cardio session with the physio away from the main group and is unlikely to return tomorrow.
Young Socceroo Josh Brillante ran at right back ahead of Taylor Regan, who started against the Mariners.
Brazilian Bernardo Ribeiro played as a No. 10 in a 4-3-3 formation but van Egmond also ran with a 3-4-3 system.
The Victory have been boosted by the arrival yesterday of former Socceroos goalkeeper Nathan Coe, who is expected to come straight into the side.
One thing is certain: a good start is essential if the Jets, or Melbourne, are to lift the A-League trophy on April 20.
Sydney FC, in the inaugural season, were the only team to be outside the top three after four rounds and go on to win the title.
They were fifth on four points.
The Victory were first in both their championship years (2006-07, 08-09). Sydney also led for their second crown (2009-10), and Brisbane were third and first in the past two seasons.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/42...e-gold/?cs=306
Ouch shows how much faith Ange has in the other two when he rushes Coe in with very limited prep time with the team.Quote:
Melbourne Victory is set to play its third goalkeeper in four weeks after signing Nathan Coe
Matt Windley, David Davutovic
Herald Sun
October 25, 2012 12:00AM
http://resources3.news.com.au/images...nathan-coe.jpg
Nathan Coe (far left), pictured here with the other Queensland members of the Socceroos, will play for the Melbourne Victory. Source: The Courier-Mail
MELBOURNE Victory is set to play its third goalkeeper in four weeks against Newcastle Jets tomorrow night after signing fringe Socceroo Nathan Coe.
Tando Velaphi, who was in goal last week, and Lawrence Thomas, who played the first two matches, are said to have been unaware that Coe was on his way to Victory before yesterday morning's announcement.
Coe, a free agent who had been training with Brisbane Roar, and Victory football operations manager Paul Trimboli said contact between coach Ange Postecoglou, who managed Coe in various national youth teams, had been made only "in the past couple of days".
The 28-year-old has signed a three-year deal and will play tomorrow night, subject to his international transfer clearance coming through.
The announcement came on a day when Victory denied it had tried to sign Jade North. Speculation was rife on Tuesday night that the Socceroo defender was about to move from Japanese club Consadole Sapporo.
"We didn't speak to Jade North at any point, no," Trimboli said when asked if the club had pursued North.
North's agent Buddy Farah denied the 30-year-old was moving to Victory, but said the club had made contact.
"At this stage I can categorically deny that Jade will return to the A-League," Farah said.
"Yes, there was contact (from Victory), but at this present moment he is better off staying in Japan before the Brazil World Cup.
It is understood the Socceroos coaching staff, led by coach Holger Osieck, convinced North it was best for his international career to remain in Japan's J-League.
Coe said he had spoken to Osieck before signing with Victory and the Socceroos boss had approved the move.
"I did speak to Holger and he was under the impression that Ange is a great coach to play under," he said.
"He gave me his blessing and believed that this is a good move for me. I want to be involved with the Socceroos and push for a higher position there, so you do think about those sorts of things."
Trimboli admitted Velaphi and Thomas had not known Coe was to be signed and said the pair would be under pressure to lift their game.
"It means competition, doesn't it? I think any good club, any strong team has competition for places," Trimboli said.
"Hopefully those players will see that as a real spur and we'll have three people competing for the No.1 spot."
http://www.sportingintelligence.com/...e-since-84.jpg
On my travels on the Interwebs I found this little piece.
Made for a bit of interesting reading. I know the figures are probably a little out of step with reality but found it interesting to see that a HAL club is in a position to compete financially with League 1 clubs in England on player wages.
Not only that we aren't that far away from being able to seriously bid for the middle to lower end Championship level players
That is precisely why we Love you :yay: :lulzturtle:Quote:
Zadkovich vows to stay physical
25 October 2012-SBS: Greg Prichard
Ruben Zadkovich says football is a dangerous game as much as it is a beautiful one and that he will continue with the physical approach that resulted in the Newcastle Jets midfielder being criticised after last Sunday’s game against Central Coast Mariners.
Zadkovich did not feel he had to defend himself in the wake of that match but he said he was happy to explain his approach to playing in a bid to enable people to better understand him.
“All the football codes are dangerous. People can get injuries and it’s accepted as being part of the game.
“I love the beautiful side of football – it sets our code apart from the others – but on the other hand it’s a hard game and it’s a physical game. Players are putting in 100 per cent, and I’m no different. I just try to help my team win the match.”
Many onlookers felt Zadkovich should have been red carded, instead of getting just a yellow, for a flying tackle on Mariners defender Josh Rose in last Sunday’s match, and that he survived only because the game was barely a minute old.
Zadkovich concedes it wasn’t a great look but pointed out that it was dealt with by referee Ben Williams on the field.
“To be honest, I don’t take too much notice of what random people have to say about the matter,” Zadkovich said.
“I take notice of what the people who matter say and that’s the coaching staff and the people I play with.
“They know I give 100 per cent for the shirt. I’m playing for Newcastle and that’s all I’m worried about. I play the game the way it’s supposed to be played – 100 per cent. That’s what I do, and that’s what I’ve admired in other players.
“Maybe, at times, it can be borderline dangerous, and I was sanctioned for that tackle. There is a referee out there, and they deal with things as they see fit. Last Sunday it was a derby game, and it was a physical match.
“These things happen on football pitches and they are dealt with by the people in charge. It was a local derby, and we wanted to win in front of our home fans. There are a lot more derbies in the league now, because of the newer teams that have been brought in, and that’s a great thing.
“It has lifted the intensity and appealed to the competitive streak of the players.”
Zadkovich drew attention to himself with a couple of other crunching tackles in the match but used the aftermath of one of those to support his point.
“I never meant any harm, but one of my tackles was on Mile Sterjovski and he’s one of the best friends I have in football,” Zadkovich said.
“He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve met in football and after the heat of the moment we embraced. That’s how it should be.
“The game is about everyone giving their best and being friends at the end of the match.”
The shaven-headed Zadkovich has developed a cult following among Jets supporters, some of whom wear flesh-coloured, plastic head caps to games. He was seen warmly embracing a section of them over the fence after the win over the Mariners, and even taking a gulp of one’s beer.
“It’s all light-hearted and a bit of fun,” Zadkovich said.
“We were just celebrating the win. They are a group of fans who used to support Nik Topor-Stanley when he was at the club – ‘Topor’s Troopers’ - and this year they’ve chosen to follow me.
“The players and the fans, we’re all football lovers at the end of the day, we’re all there for the same reason. It’s a privilege we have, playing football at this level, and that gives you that cutting edge.
“It makes you want to perform. When you win, you want to enjoy it, and moments like that are fun. The fans are a part of it. They are great people, the Newcastle fans, and I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them.
“Great crowd support is like having an extra man on the field, and we all go to the fans after the game, whether we win or lose. It’s a team thing. We look them in the eye and thank them for supporting us.”
Coming off two straight wins, that crowd support is bound to grow even further when the Jets are at home to glamour club Melbourne Victory on Friday night.
What a bloke.. Absolute legend..
I can see PV4 reaching for the box of Kleenex right away.. :fap:
hahahaha..
Zad the next saint of Griffology? I can see it happening.
on 'The Back Page' the other night they showed Zad after the game going over to celebrate with Zad's lads and had a cheeky sip of their beer haha, was classic. wat a ledge
absolute ledge, has gone up about a squillion notches in madness since scoring that goal in sydney, smashing rose and sterj, drinking beer etc
lets not get too far ahead of ourselves re: griffology, pope sanch has the final say on this
all these players from adelaide are off contract from november 1 and are known as free agents,
would you want any of them?
Iain Fyfe
Cassio
Bruce Djite
Zenon Caravella
Serginho van Dijk
Cameron Watson
Iain Ramsay
Fabian Barbiero
Jeronimo Neumann
Fabio Ferreira
Evan Kostopolous
This is already being discussed in this thread http://www.newcastlefootball.net/for...2012-13/page19Quote:
Originally Posted by Vandenberg13
thankyou :)Quote:
Originally Posted by MFKS
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/42...eskey/?cs=306#
Quote:
Van Egmond demands Jets stop relying on Heskey
By ROBERT DILLON
Oct. 25, 2012, 10:48 p.m.
GARY VAN EGMOND
NEWCASTLE Jets coach Gary van Egmond admits his team have been too reliant on marquee signing Emile Heskey and need to be more creative with the ball in tonight's A-League showdown with Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium.
Heskey has earned rave reviews after scoring goals in Newcastle's victories over Sydney and Central Coast.
But van Egmond was insistent during the pre-season that the Jets would produce an up-tempo, possession-based playing style.
Judging by his comments at a press conference this week, he does not want to abandon that game plan just to accommodate a world-class target man.
"With Emile getting here later, they've tended to look at that as an outlet a little bit too soon," van Egmond said.
"We haven't got that balance right as such. We're not going to become a team that's just looking to play direct and play off that second ball.
"We are going to play direct at times, but it's going to be calculated when we play direct. It's going to be a case that we look to control the game through our ball circulation."
Van Egmond has named an 18-man squad, with three players to be omitted before kick-off tonight, but his biggest quandary appears to be who will play right back in the absence of injured Scott Neville.
Dudley-Redhead junior Taylor Regan deputised last week, although van Egmond indicated former Gold Coast teenager Josh Brillante would be his preference tonight.
Brillante, one of five Jets named this week in the Young Socceroos, made his Newcastle debut last week with 20 minutes off the bench in the F3 derby victory, and Van Egmond said Brillante probably offered a little bit more than Taylor, who was more accustomed to a central-defensive role.
"Taylor can do a decent job as a fullback but I wouldn't call him a specialist fullback," he said.
"He can play there but obviously he's more comfortable as a centre-back.
"We just have to weigh that up, where they're going to be best suited."
Van Egmond said 19-year-old Brillante had created a big impression since moving to Newcastle.
"He can obviously play as a fullback, as we stated, but he can also play as a holding midfielder as well," he said.
"Really good kid, really good attitude, technically proficient, good passer of the ball, real competitor. He's fitted in really well here."
Another option van Egmond is pondering is switching Ruben Zadkovich from midfield to right back, allowing Ben Kantarovski to rejoin the starting side.
Veteran Michael Bridges and Brazilian import Bernardo Ribeiro, who were spectators last weekend, have both been named in the 18, although van Egmond was non-committal about their prospects of receiving any game time.
Victory secured their first win last week under new coach Ange Postecoglu, 2-1 against Adelaide, which will have lifted self-belief after a 5-0 drubbing from Brisbane.
Van Egmond has identified Victory midfielder Mark Milligan, who played 11 games for the Jets four years ago, as their linchpin and said "we have to try and do a job on shutting him".
● Crack goalkeeper Michael Theo has declared Brisbane's defence stronger than ever this season, sounding a warning to Western Sydney who'll be looking to score their maiden A-League goal when they face the Roar tomorrow.
The Wanderers are also still searching for a breakthrough win. But with the Roar's strong home record, an upset victory is a big ask for Tony Popovic's men.
"They've played well in all three game but the result hasn't gone their way," Theo said.
"Suncorp is a great stadium, a great pitch and I'm sure opposition teams dread coming here.
"Defensively I think we're a lot more solid this season and we know we're always good for a goal or two a game." AAP
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/42...return/?cs=306
Quote:
Brown shows spark in welcome return
By CRAIG KERRY
Oct. 25, 2012, 10:48 p.m.
JAMES Brown made a successful return from ankle surgery to play his first competitive match for the Jets and inspire the National Youth League side to a thrilling 2-all draw with Western Sydney at Wanderers Oval last night.
Brown, who resumed full training this week after an operation in August to remove a bone spur, played the final 30 minutes of the round-two match as the Jets came back from 2-0 down.
The 22-year-old Olyroo put in several crisp crosses, had two shots on goal denied and showed the speed and skill that made him the Jets' first major recruit for 2012-13 when he signed in February from the Gold Coast on a two-year deal.
Brown last played for Newcastle in the spiteful 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix in the trial at Weston Park on August 18.
Brown came on in the 60th minute last night with Newcastle down 2-1.
The Jets dominated possession before Kale Bradbery equalised in the 86th minute with a sweet strike.
Newcastle pushed hard for the winner in the final minutes, including having a shot blocked on the line and hitting the underside of the crossbar without success.
Former Aston Villa player Reece Caira scored in the 15th and 33rd minutes to put Western Sydney in control. Caira, though, was marched for a second yellow card offence in the 88th minute.
Stevan Ilic had hit back for Newcastle in the 43rd minute with a lunging header from a Andrew Hoole cross.
Newcastle fielded Young Socceroos Connor Chapman, Jack Duncan and Mitchell Oxborrow, who leave this weekend for the Asian Football Confederation Under-19 Championships in the UAE.
Heskey get's the ryu seal of approval!Quote:
Jets' high hopes go beyond Victory, says Griffiths
October 26, 2012
http://images.smh.com.au/2012/10/25/...ld-620x349.jpg
"Of course, you're happy to win games but we're looking further than that" ... Jets striker Ryan Griffiths, centre. Photo: Jonathan Carroll
A WIN against Melbourne Victory tonight would ensure Newcastle's best start to a season but striker Ryan Griffiths says the Jets are far from satisfied.
Gary van Egmond's side has rebounded strongly from an opening-week defeat to Adelaide, with back-to-back wins over NSW rivals Sydney FC and Central Coast earning them a share of top spot on the ladder.
The Jets have never claimed nine points from their opening four games of a campaign but can achieve that with a win over Ange Postecoglou's Victory at Hunter Stadium.
However, in a sign of the side's lofty ambitions, Griffiths insists the Jets have nothing to celebrate as they target more improvement. ''This year I haven't been pleased with one victory because I just want to win every game and I'm pretty sure the whole team is on that page,'' Griffiths said yesterday.
Advertisement
''Of course, you're happy to win games but we're looking further than that. We want to play better football and to win championships, you need to play better football. As long as we keep that mentality and that winning attitude, we should have a good season.''
Griffiths trained fully yesterday and will be fit to face the Victory despite a minor neck problem suffered in his sleep.
He will continue in a combined midfield-striker role to provide support for star signing Emile Heskey, who has hit form quickly, with goals in successive games.
Griffiths said he was loving playing alongside the English Premier League veteran and wasn't surprised how swiftly he had adapted to the A-League.
''I knew it wouldn't take him too long,'' Griffiths said of Heskey.
''He came in with a professional attitude … he didn't over-rate himself to the league and he's done everything perfectly.''
The Jets will again be without defender Scott Neville because of a groin injury, with teenager Josh Brillante likely to start at right back.
The Victory head to Newcastle on the back of a breakthrough 2-1 win against Adelaide United.
Griffiths admitted it was hard to get a form-line on the Victory but said the Jets would not underestimate any side that possessed such attacking potency.
''They definitely have a good strike force, we know that,'' he said.
''They've proven that in the past and those type of players, [Marcos] Flores and Archie [Thompson], are always dangerous.''
Melbourne's Brazilian midfielder, Guilherme Finkler, will miss the clash because of a groin problem, with Mauritius international Jonathan Bru to return the side.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football...#ixzz2ALTCgcTa
Seems Middleby is good at selling newcastle & the club to potential players, which is good to see.Quote:
Rising Newcastle Jets star Craig Goodwin plucked from poverty
Barry Toohey
The Daily Telegraph
October 26, 2012 12:00AM
http://resources0.news.com.au/images...ig-goodwin.jpg
Craig Goodwin has impressed for the Newcastle Jets. Source: Getty Images
JUST nine months ago, rising Newcastle Jets star Craig Goodwin was living on the bones of his backside in Melbourne, working occasional shifts at KFC to keep his football dream alive.
So tough was the struggle, the 20-year-old survived on a diet of cheap pasta and rice.
There were days when he battled to even afford the petrol to get himself to Melbourne Heart training.
"There was one time early this year, not long after I'd made my A-League debut for Heart, that I had no money and no petrol in the car to get me to AAMI Park for training," Goodwin recalled yesterday.
"I had to scramble around the house for any loose change and came up with $7 in 10 and 20c pieces.
"I only just made it to a petrol station and then to AAMI Park and back.
"I rang my mum that night to tell her I really needed some money and she was like 'OK, I'll put $100 in your account'.
"I was basically living from day to day and it wasn't easy because I was on my own in Melbourne. But I guess those are the kinds of things you have to sacrifice to get anywhere.
"Looking back now, I appreciate being able to get though the tough times. It's not that long ago."
Goodwin no longer fries chicken to make ends meet and limping to a petrol station is a thing of the past.
Being recognised as one of the hottest young talents in the game has seen to that.
As many as four A-League clubs including Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC and Wellington, chased him at the end of last season.
Goodwin chose the Newcastle Jets because, as he puts it, "they made me feel like I needed to be here".
"I spoke to Gary (coach van Egmond) and Robbie (chief executive Middleby) and the way they sold the club and the city to me left the biggest impression," he said.
"It was about the playing style they wanted to develop here and how they thought they could improve me as a player."
Few would argue he made the right choice.
After three eye-catching games for the Jets, the left back with the blinding speed and the lethal left foot has some of the most respected voices in the code - people like Central Coast coach Graham Arnold and commentator Mark Bosnich - suggesting he is a future Socceroo.
Not bad for an Adelaide kid who, only two years ago, wasn't considered good enough to make the Reds' youth squad, necessitating the move to Melbourne.
"It's nice to hear those things but I don't focus on it," he said.
"I have to take it week to week because there is always another game to play coming up. If I don't perform well, suddenly the talk is my spot's up for grabs.
"I've only been here a short time. I just want to keep playing, keep improving and if that gets me a Socceroo spot down the track then that will be fantastic but for now, I'm just focusing on the Jets."
Newcastle will chase a third consecutive win tonight when they host Melbourne Victory.
Whenever footballers bring out the old 'I came to this club because of the football they want to play' or 'the CEO and Manager really wanted me' you can interpret it as "they offered me more moolah".Quote:
Originally Posted by Pico
so cynical vj ;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pico
FFS Pico Newy is that great of a place it sells itself.
Don't give Middleby credit for having to sell the area to players. Who wouldn't want to live in a place as great as this with wonderful fans to boot backing their every move
Loving this bloke even more. Making up Zingers at one of the finest restaurants on the planet one year and now carving it up at the greatest club in the land the next. This blokes CV must look good with these two joints on itQuote:
Originally Posted by Pico
Any truth to the rumour Harry Kewell was spotted in Newcastle today?
So he is in Aus...Quote:
Harry won't play say Victory
By Melissa Woods
12:51 AEST Fri Oct 26 2012
Melbourne Victory are emphatic soccer superstar Harry Kewell is not returning to play at the A-League club.
Kewell was spotted boarding a plane from London to Melbourne on Thursday, sending social media into a frenzy that he was set for another stint with the Victory.
A club spokesman on Friday said Kewell was definitely not coming back to Melbourne to play.
"We've got a full squad and two marquee players and no money so he certainly won't be playing with us," the spokesman said.
"We have no money left in the salary cap."
The club said they had not been in contact with Kewell, who has been clubless since he cut ties with the Victory in June to return to England.
The 34-year-old international quit the club to remain by his wife Sheree Murphy's side while her mother is gravely ill in England.
Cross-city rivals Melbourne Heart also said there were no plans to recruit the Socceroos frontman.
There is speculation his return has been prompted by a fashion photo shoot and the Spring racing carnival, which Kewell enjoyed last year.
If he is to find another club in England it would almost certainly have to wait until the mid-season transfer window in January.
He has been linked to Premier League club Stoke City, championship clubs Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough, plus League One Swindon Town.
I just had lunch down at the Brewery with the mrs and was walking back home to see NBN interviewing Stuie Musialik in the park there..
Didn't stop to see what it was about or anything.. Anyone have any ideas?
Hopefully announcing that he is starting up something that will require him to take Jesic and Kanta away from our club permanently
And Gallaway.Quote:
Originally Posted by MFKS
And Deans and Zane
and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deans and deansQuote:
Originally Posted by MFKS
NBN local version of Where Are They Now recapping their 50 years thingy focussing on the jets gf win. They should interview griff - I mean he scored the goal!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bon
That's my guess anyway
Wouldn't credit it...I had a beer with Dazzainthetenzo tonight. The people you meet at Broadmeadow sports club...Quote:
Originally Posted by Bon
The same Dazza we knew from these forums?Quote:
Originally Posted by northern_swan
Dazza wont return until Eddie Bosnar signs for an A-League club...
The sameQuote:
Originally Posted by WolfMan
far out which one was he?
probs had a leather hat on
The one sitting with us?? Socceroos jacket, glasses, goatee. Nice blokeQuote:
Originally Posted by parksey
Wasn't with us at the game though, think he was in bay 7 from (hazy) memory
The Daz is living in Maitland and working at High School
Excellent. Should get him back on the forums, always had quality input
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football...027-28cac.html
Someone in newy football needs to get footballunited on the phone.Quote:
Every match a winner for diversity and harmony
Free Fund Setup. Free 1st Year Fee. Offer Ends Soon. Apply Now!
Football united … Alessandro del Piero is an ambassador. Photo: Brendan Esposito
Football has finally woken up to the essence of the game, our diversity, and this country will be the better for it. Because Australia needs football, as much as football needs Australia.
The past two weeks have featured two marvellous examples of the profound impact the round ball has on different segments of Australian life, and of which we should all be immensely proud.
Football United, an initiative of the UNSW school of public health and community medicine, launched ground-breaking research in conjunction with the Australian Research Council that provided evidence of the transformational powers of football.
Started six years ago as a program to assist the socialisation and integration into society of new refugee arrivals using their love of the game, the program today has widened to disadvantaged and indigenous youth. It stands as a beacon of best practice for sport-for-development programs and a stunning example of how football can fundamentally transform our communities and provide a vehicle for social improvement.
Advertisement
It reaches thousands of boys and girls every year - from more than 70 nationalities - who are most in need of a helping hand, friendship and a chance to express their hopes and dreams. The program offers not only the opportunity to come together to play, but also amazing leadership, mentoring and work experience programs that allow the children to develop incredible connections, confidence and a new path in life.
That's the kids, what about the rest of us? What about the positive effect on Australian communities from these young people? They are being connected into social programs, finding friendship and opportunities to study to become active members of their country, and becoming, in turn, leaders in their own communities, important links for future arrivals to be placed on a positive path.
Through football, thousands of young Australians are finding a place here and, simultaneously, we come to know them better, increasing harmony in society and reducing the potential for the cultural misunderstandings that underpin racism and prejudice. Football is thus not merely a game we play with a smile on our face, or watch as the professionals race around amid the cacophony and commercialism, it's a tool for building a better Australia and, quite literally, for saving lives. Football United are the angels.
At the top of the game, the message has also gotten through. The FFA recently announced the findings of our first A-League multicultural review, which places the evidence behind the claim that football is the ''face of the nation''.
A total of 56 nationalities are represented by more than 200 players in 10 clubs. And 87 per cent of players had overseas ancestry one or two generations previous. There are just 16 per cent with Australian ancestry. The review found 68 per cent of players had at least one parent born overseas - significantly greater than the national average of 44.7 per cent - and 33 per cent of A-League players were born overseas, compared with the national average of 26 per cent.
In summary, football expresses every day - on the training pitch, in the media, in the schools, in the communities - precisely the diverse make-up and multicultural mix that this wonderful country has, and is a vehicle through which we can speak to every community to engage, communicate and better understand each other.
Of course, Alessandro Del Piero's effect on the Italian-Australian community and Shinji Ono's on the Japanese are obvious examples, but what about Golgol Mebrahtu from Eritrea, Bernie Ibini-Isei of Nigeria, Teeboy Kamara and Julius Davies from Liberia, Travis Dodd for our first Australians, Adama Traore of Ivory Coast or Ali Abbas, formerly of Iraq.
Through football, we have the greatest role models and tools for integration and enhanced understanding for all sections of our society, something the game and the government has finally resolved to leverage.
So whether it is the transformational powers of Football United or a pulsating A-League game, football is a window to modern Australia and a powerful tool to create harmony in the decades to come.
footballunited.org.au
UoN runs a similar thing to this during each semester, except for international staff and students and its run by the International Office. It's called GOALSS and I've gone to the past 3 semesters. Its pretty good, Ack0's been a few times and Ive met people from all over.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary Fish
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/equ...ersity/goalss/
heard Ben Kennedy cant have his operation because the doctor who operated on James Brown refuses to do any more until he is paid