Quote Originally Posted by WOW2.0 View Post
Quick few off the top of my head from our region
Jason Hoffman
Nigel Boogaard
Archie Goodwin
Andrew Hoole
Ben Kantarovski
Jobe Wheelhouse
Daniel McBreen
Taylor Reegan
Chuck in Angus Thurgate, too

All achieved professional status as footballers, have, or continue to earn a living through football, etc

Getting to the A-League is a measure of success, don't you agree?

There are of course lots of talented players who don't go on...it's a low percentage who will (with arguably lots of luck and timing required)...that doesn't take away from the potential.

Yes, toxic people can, and are, involved...there are toxic people in any walk of life...doesn't stop people pursing various other careers, does it
Probs 1 or 2 more as well.
Aleague is the lowest base of "success" playing wise. But we're talking NPL youth players not Jets/Breakers because a few parents or coaches on here got upset when I said it isnt good enough. But even adding academy players isn't great. That's not a lot over 30 odd years. And that's lowest level professional.
A real success would be say championship, 2nd tier euro leagues or above.
BTW we can make our clubs much more inviting and objective by being transparent and communicating with truth not subjectivity.
My first improvement would be to have a European home base where Aussie youth can be objectively selected & try their luck. With some payment they have sponsorship, scholarships, living quarters, top coaching, and are part of a 2nd tier Euro comp or academy. easier for scouts to pick up. Huge undertaking but with the right people doable.