Getting Better Decisions During A Game - The Use of Technology In Football

Sourced from http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/

Here is an interesting piece of information - the average duration of a Manager (coach) at a Premier League / Champions League Club in Europe is said to be between 9 - 14 months! A game lost due to a poor decision, for want of access to good information, can have massive consequences for Managers of top flight Football teams.

The future of Clubs, sponsors, players and certainly Managers (coaches) can turn on a decision in a game, a decision that is not advantaged by the luxury of endless replays that the football public enjoys after the game. By the time the dust has settled on the game lost to a bad decision, there is often little attention given to the fact that the referee's decision was proven to be wrong. It doesn't change the result of the game nor the fate of those adversely affected by the decision.

That said, these decisions are seldom the consequence of a Referee or Referee's Assistant carelessness. When they drop a clanger, it's because they just can't see (in real time, not slow time) all of the incident. Only people in good position around the ground get to see exactly what happened. Perhaps our referees need a bit of assitance? Two ways to do that - use technology (and here we are usually talking about cameras and immediate review of incidents by an official not on the ground), or, more referee's assistants on the ground at those points on the ground where the usual decison making disaster scenarios occur.

Here are three examples I saw last weekend:

• GK caught the ball, fell backwards just enough to cross the goal line and take the ball, ever so quickly into and out of the goal area. Referee and assitants could not see the GK cross the line, so no goal. Only a coupl of players saw what really happened.
• Attacking team player dribbles to the byline, while challenged the ball goes out, player continues and cuts the ball back to a team mate, who slams it into the net. Now a few players and spectators sw that one, but the Referee and assitants just were not in the sweet spot to see the ball go out.
• Attacking player goes to the byline, bloaked by defender, so trys to knock the ball onto the defender to get a corner. He missed and the ball went out without touching the defender, though it did have on odd spin on it. Referee had some players between himself and the ball and concluded that it had hit a defender. Now I was at the behind the byline a short distance away and stopped to watch this action. It should have been a goal kick, but I could see why it was hard for the Ref, while the nearest Ref's assistant was back near halfway (blind side of the field). Bad luck I guess, But what followed was a corner kick that was headed into the net. The game turned on that one. Bad luck.

Alas, FIFA (Mr Blatter to be precise) is opposed to the use of technology in the big leagues and competitions. Neither Blatter or Platini (UEFA) will  allow the technologies  to be trialled. Bit of a shame really, for it would have stopped Herny's diabolical handball dead in it's tracks. The support for the introduction of technology among the PL Clubs in Europe is enormous, but they await Mr Blatter's pleasure.

We have a fair bit of experience with the use of technology in support of Referee's decision making in Australia - Rugby League, Rugby Union and Cricket. Its part of the these games at the top level. Sometimes it goes wrong even with the use of technology (cameras) and referral to an additional referee. Nothing is perfect, but its good to get a few more important decisions right.

I think you will find this discussion very interesting - it captures the mood and the massive risks that are inherit at the top end of game when some poor bugger with a whistle gets it wrong because he or she just did not see enough of the incident to make a better decision.

What do you think?

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CEO Capital Football Heather Reid Has A lot To Say On Football Overseas and Here In The ACT Region

This is a Nearpost Local special edition – an extended discussion with the CEO Capital Football, Heather Reid. Heather is still the only female CEO of a member Federation within the FFA. Heather Reid is also the CEO of Canberra United.

Heather has only recently returned from Europe, where she attended the Womens World Cup, represented the CEO of the FFA at the FIFA women’s football symposium and recruited a new Head Coach for Canberra United.

Photo above is of the new Canberra United coach.

Heather talks about the standard of Football across the nations in the World Cup and the issues discussed at the FIFA symposium. A very interesting football discussion and some candid observations about the Matilda’s performance.

And this is just the start of this discussion with the CEO Capital Football.

We cover a lot of ground and it’s all about things that impact on Football in the ACT region.

The matters we discuss evidence some decent forward planning at Capital Football and I must say, in the nick of time. Nothing is ever completely resolved in the biggest particpation sport in the ACT region, but we are beginning to see some important progress, good ideas, some fortuitious opportunites emerging, and a healthy dose of pragmatism.

Now the challenge is to bring the Clubs along and before things too far ahead at Football House. This appears to be happening for some for the issues, but its essential that conversations and analysis at Football House (Board, Standing Advisory committees and staff) translate into substantive engagement and support across all Clubs  at the earliest possible time. There is always the temptation to serve up a one solution option as effective consultation. Supporting documents which underpin discussion need to get published on the Capital Football and Club websites as soon as possible. Good communication and time for consultation is essential. This takes time at Club level.

Here’s a starting list of some of things that get honorable mentions in this discussion:

• New Canberra United Coach – why a female coach?

• The Canberra United roster – fascinating and not yet finished!

• The financial management of Canberra United – sponsorship and grants see this "club" just about cost neutral to Capital Football which is good news. This is a big step forward. Something to celebrate! (Its an important first step to detaching Canberra United from Capital Football and perhaps separating the management of both - but that's clearly a little further into the future)

• The importance of ACTAS women’s program and the Capital Football age representative teams that compete at the National Junior Championships

• The review of the Mens Premier League structure – changes to be implemented in 2012. This is likely to involve significant change to the present arrangements.

• The impact of the FFA’s National competition review on football in the ACT – considerable! Can’t wait till it arrives, best to get started.

• Steps being taken to cover the talented Mens 17 to 20 years development pathway. Changes in circumstances at the AIS have given the ACT Football community an extra-ordinary opportunity, which Capital Football looks to have siezed upon (frankly, this is more than we could ever have hoped for and if delivered in full provides exactly the pathway we have all sort for these young players - at a fraction of the cost of a youth league team):

o AIS to provide a team in the Mens Premier League and to include 4-6 young Canberra players (on non residential scholarships)

o AIS and ACTAS Mens to form a “Club” for the purpose of participating in the Mens Premier League. Allows for movement of players when required to ensure all games are played when scheduled (except where agreed otherwise)

o AIS to include the Canberra based non residential scholarship holders in the National Youth League squad (so they play in this competition as well! Amazing opportunity.)

• Some good progress on the future development of artificial playing surfaces (note I use the plural!) in the Mawson / Phillip area (and not the former golf course range - though that too must not be lost to medium density housing developers - hope this has not been traded off by anyone in football!). This one might just happen.

• Futsal registrations going gangbusters – North and South Canberra, the astonishing Boomerangs FS who are now a part of the NSW Premier League and the start of a local junior Premier League based on Football Club involvement (at last we have tapped the right organisational structure to support Futsal).

Look there is plenty more, so best you get a restorative drink, headphones on or speakers turned up, door closed, feet up and listen in.

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Capital Football Technical Director, Roy Thomas Talks About the Way Ahead

This program is broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 at 7:00pm.

Tonights program is an extended interview with the Technical Director, Capital Football, Royston Thomas. Roy is a highly experienced professional Football person, very pragmatic and refreshingly “no fuss” in his approach. The CF TD’s job is a big one, with lots of influences and never enough resources to cover the scope of the various tasks to hand. So deciding what and how it will be done and when, is crucial to success. Being sufficiently determined to pursue these objectives, bring the Football community with you, while flexible enough to change position if better ideas come along, is essential to this position in Football – Roy striked me as being all of that. Roy has been in the job six months and in this interview he provides the NPL listener with some absolutely vital information on the way ahead:


• The structure he will use to deliver the National curriculum:

o CF Centre of Excellence

o CF Centre for Development

• Coach education – quality coaches to underpin the delivery of development

• The importance of close and effective working relationships with the Head Coaches of ACTAS mens and Womens programs

• Priorities for participation by age rep teams at the NJC.

• Delivery of technical support to clubs.

And then there is the welcome news that the 6-8 age group development program(s) will be delivered by Coerver - makes perfect sense! Good decision.
As an exercise in clear thinking, Roys initial approach is sound, makes good sense and looks achievable. There is connective football tissue between the elements of his approach to technical development of young players going forward. Roy has not left the clubs behind in his thinking and that’s a big step forward. This is all something parents and clubs can understand and support.

This interview was very much like a fire-side chat about football - two people passionate about football having a good talk about a few things. Time permitting, it could have gone on for ages and I reckon I would have learnt heaps from Roy.

I start the program with a part of his discussion about the recent Womens Under 14 and Under 15 NJC, then its on to a lot more. Roys observations on coaching and recent, terrific games between Barcelona and Real Madrid, then Canberra Olympic and CFC is a delight and right on the mark. I enjoyed this interview and think you will too.

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Osgood Schlatter syndrome

Sourced from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Osgood_Schlatter_syndrome?open

Summary

 

Osgood-Schlatter syndrome is a painful knee condition that affects adolescents. It often occurs during a growth spurt and is associated with physical activity. Symptoms include pain and local swelling in the front of one or both knees. The condition usually completely resolves. Treatment mainly involves activity modification and pain relief.

 

 

 

The knee is a hinge joint, situated between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bones (tibia and fibula). Contraction of the muscles on the front of the thigh (quadriceps) straightens the knee, while contraction of the muscles on the back of the thigh (the hamstrings) bends the knee. The quadriceps muscle attaches to the shin bone below the knee cap (patella) via the thick patella tendon. The point of attachment of the patella tendon to the shin bone is the bony bump (tibial tuberosity) just below the knee.

Osgood-Schlatter syndrome (or disease) is a painful knee condition that tends to affect adolescents. Boys are affected more than girls, although this could be due to differing activity patterns. It is thought that around 13 per cent of adolescent knee pain is due to Osgood-Schlatter syndrome. It often occurs during a growth spurt and is associated with physical activity. It is thought that the tendon attaching the quadriceps muscles to the shin bone becomes tight and causes inflammation and micro-fractures in the tibial tuberosity.

 

The tibial tuberosity swells and feels painful during certain activities such as running, kneeling, or stair climbing. Osgood-Schlatter syndrome usually resolves by itself with time. Treatment options include activity modification, ice, pain relief medications, stretching and physiotherapy.

 

Symptoms

 

The symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome depend on the severity of the condition, but may include:

 

• Pain in one or both knees
• Pain when straightening the knee joint or full squatting
• Pain on running, or going up and down stairs
• Pain that eases with rest
• A swollen tibial tuberosity
• Red and inflamed skin over the tibial tuberosity
• Quadriceps muscles that can sometimes lose strength and bulk.

 

The risk of fracture

 

The quadriceps muscles are joined to the tibial tuberosity by the patella tendon. During bone growth, the tendon may become tighter. When the quadriceps muscle contracts, it pulls even more on the tight tendon, and the point where the tendon attaches to the shin bone becomes inflamed and micro-fractures occur at the bone. In some cases, bone may become partially dislodged (partial avulsion fracture).

 
The body repairs the fractures by laying down extra bone tissue. The result is a larger than normal bump at the tibial tuberosity.

 
A range of possible causes

 

Some of the causes of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome may include:

 

• Growth spurt - the condition tends to affect adolescent children. Affected boys are often aged about 13-14 years, while affected girls are often aged 10-11 years.
• Exercise - active children, particularly those engaged in athletics and sports, are at increased risk.
• Gender - boys are more susceptible than girls, but perhaps this is because boys typically play more vigorous sports.
• Injury - around half of all children with the condition report a prior knee injury.

 

Diagnosis methods

 

Osgood-Schlatter syndrome is mainly diagnosed by clinical presentation (presenting symptoms and physical examination). However additional tests may be used to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Tests include:

•  X-ray
• Ultrasound scan.

 

Treatment options

 

Osgood-Schlatter syndrome usually resolves by itself within 12 months. However, the knee may remain uncomfortable until growing finishes. Treatment options include:

 

• Activity modification or relative rest - completely avoiding activities that are painful for at least a couple of weeks followed by gradual return to activity guided by symptom levels
• Frequent use of icepacks to reduce the local pain and swelling
• Stretching and strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles – a suitable program can be provided by a physiotherapist
• Medications, including painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Very rarely, surgery - only in extreme cases and only once growth has ended.

 

Where to get help -  Your doctor / Physiotherapist  / Orthopaedic surgeon

 

Things to remember

 

• Osgood-Schlatter syndrome is a painful knee condition that affects adolescents.
• During a growth spurt, it is thought that the tendon attaching the quadriceps muscle to the knee joint becomes tighter, creating a strain on the growing bone (tibial tuberosity) particularly with physical activities that involve contraction of the quadriceps.
• Osgood-Schlatter syndrome usually resolves by itself with a period of activity modification, stretches and pain relief.

Performance Psychology - THE MASTER STORYTELLER

Sourced from ACTAS E-News - authored by Sarah Jack

This is a terrific article that makes good reading for players and parents of young players. It goes beyond Football!

Our mind is like the world’s greatest storyteller. It NEVER shuts up. It’s always got a story to tell and guess what it wants more than anything else? It ants what any good storyteller wants. It wants us to listen; it wants to grab our attention and pull us away from what we are doing.

Even if it’s painful, nasty or scary. And some of the stories it tells us are true. We call those ‘facts’. But most of the stories it tells us, we can’t really call ‘facts’. They’re more like opinions, beliefs, ideas, attitudes, assumptions, judgements, predictions etcetera. They’re stories about how we see the world, and what we want to do, and what we think is right and wrong or fair and unfair and so on.

So if you’re willing, sit back, get comfortable and do this exercise – close your eyes; don’t say anything for about thirty seconds – and just listen to the story your mind is telling you right now.

One of the key insights to learn is that our thoughts do not control our actions.

Thoughts have a lot of influence on our actions when we hold on too tightly to them, but they have much less influence when we take a step back from our thoughts and look at them for what they really are ... nothing more or less than a bunch of words or picture ‘inside your head’.

When you have this insight you begin to recognise that a thought; may or may not be true; is definitely not a command you have to obey or a rule to have to follow; is definitely not a threat to you; is not something happening in the physical world; may or may not be important to you – you have a choice as to how much attention you pay it; and can be allowed to come and go of its own accord without any need for you to hold on to it or push it away.

It’s not important if a thought is true or false; positive or negative; right or wrong.

One of the things we do want to learn is how to recognise when a thought is helpful, and when it isn’t.

The question here is; ‘If you let this thought and/or feeling guide your behaviour, will it help you achieve what you want to achieve, to do the things you want to do; to be the person you want to be?’

So ... just listen ... what is your mind telling you right now?

Gunghalin United FC - A Club Heading In the Right Direction - Part 1

This progam was broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Austrakian Community Radio Network, on Tuesday 16 August 2011 at 7:00PM.

In tonights program we have the first of the NPL Club series. We speak at length to the Pres and VP of Gungahlin United FC. Gungahlin United is a club that services all its football constituency, they are in an area of massive growth in the ACT region and it would be no surprise, therefore to hear that managing growth is their top priority. They don’t get much support beyond their CLub, in their service to football, but they do have to find the money to pay some pretty big bills – how does about $60k for hire of playing fields for training and games grab you? Its all hard work, but they are fortunate to have good club officials, committee, volunteers (never enough of course) and a legion of players who are doing good things.

This is community Football at its best and we have a lot of good community based Clubs in the ACT and so much of it is devoted to junior / youth Football. This is the peak body's strategic target group for technical development and structural development and assistance by Capital Football. Without Clubs healthy and well supported the game is shackled, no matter how many curriculum you produce, coaches you train or promises are made for a brighter future for the Socceross or Matildas - without good playing surfaces for all age groups, you can't play good football. Ask the Clubs!

Gunghalin United FC needs all the help it can get - they sit in a strategically important growth area within the ACT and we want those children and families rusted on to Football, not AFL!

Sit back with a restorative medicinal and listen in on this very informative fire-side chat with      the President and Vice President of GUFC. This is part 1 of the interview, part 2 will be available on the Blogspot in podcast later this week.

Download Podcast here:

Matildas Coach Talks About Football In Different Places and Social Media!

This program was broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network, on Tuesday, 08 August 2011 at 7:00PM.

In this program we hear from Tom Sermani, Matildas Coach about the characteristics of the key Womens Football zones around the world. In particular, the differences associated with preparing the Matildas for games in the World Cup and Asian Cup. These differences cannot be ignored and constitute a strong influence over how the Matildas are required to prepare and play to win. It's serious business at the Matildas, you can't sit still and the team must be adjusted to meet the differing requirements of competition.

Tom Sermani gives us his thoughts on the introduciton of "Social Media" communication 'Twitter" to the conduct of the Matilda's campaign in the World Cup. It was sensational. Another first for the Matildas! Now some of our Junior and Senior Clubs are already into the use of Social Media.

Included in this program are excerpts from Ricky Tomlinson's terrific book of Football stories - "Football My Arse"! A must read or listen. Just the tonic when your team takes a nose dive over the weekend. And what does the Fire Chief say on the phone to the Club Manager after advising the distressing news that the Clubhouse is on fire? The answer it too real not to be Football! Tom;ins is the actor who played "Mike Bassett" Manager of the England team - art imitates life!

This quote is pure "Mike Bassett":

"I know what's around the corner;

I just don't know where the corner is!"

Kevin Keegan

ex England Manager

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Mens Premier League Thriller at Deakin Stadium - Woden Valley FC v Canberra FC

Last night (Wednesday3 August 2011) at Deakin Stadium, in perfect conditions for Football, on a fantastic grass playing surface, the lucky Football supporters and Club supporters, were treated to a first class game of Football. As a Woden Valley FC supporter myself and full of praise for CFC over the years (my second preferred team to watch), this for me was as near perfect as Premier League Football gets.

Four things intruded into my thoughts as I drove to the game:

• I was still cranky about the fact that the PL draw had been changed without effective consultation with my Club. It was a poor piece of football administration. PL draws should not be changed to fit Club tours (no matter how good they are). If the Clubs concerned are in agreement (after all, they are the ones that must accommodate the change) and it can be done, then amend the draw.  (Woden Valley and Canberra Olympic have done this during the last two seasons in order to accommodate each other due to unavailability of players on rep duties.) In the case of this postponed game last night, CFC did all that was required of them by Capital Football, however, Capital Football did not feel it was necessary to consult Woden Valley FC in advance of a decision. Easy out for Capital Football. Woden Valley FC do as you are told. So that was still in my mind and in the minds of other Club supporters. Its not easily forgotten.
• CFC were a Club that had, prior to their trip to the Croatian Cup, looked absolutely unbeatable this season. Marvellous roster, well coached and supported. They were imperious on the field. Upon their return, this impressive football machine started to splutter, they lost two games in a row (not an uncommon experience for the rest of us) and the doubts about their superiority in the PL began to gather momentum. What would the club do if this trend continued and put in jeopardy something CFC values (quite correctly) - the PL championship (not the Grand final though that too is important)? Last season they sacked the coach after about three draws, now we have two losses. Surely they will not do that again, after all, the coach is very good and the roster is superb. Just a hiccup I thought. But Football produces the strangest outcomes. For myself, I thought that having had their tyres kicked by Cooma on Sunday, we (WVFC) were likely to meet a ferocious Football beast last night. A proper thumping for us was a real possibility. This was not a pleasant thought, and only discussed briefly by the staunch group of supporters.
• Woden Valley FC has made very steady and positive progress in the last two seasons under the Head Coach Pat McCann, together this season with the PPL Coach Phil Booth. Its no secret that WVFC play the FFA's preferred 1-4-3-3 system of play. They are a good team. The PL and PPL train as one squad and like good racehorses they have been fed the same rich training diet. The result is that preparation of players and their portability between teams is enhanced (important over a season and long pre-season). Its taken a lot of time and effort to get to this game tonight I thought to myself. This cohesiveness has extended to the PL18 Coach and PL16 Coaching staff. Things get talked about a little more at the coaching level, more than in the past - "training" is as good or better than anything I have watched in other Clubs over the two years and its really paying dividends this season. It has made a phenomenal difference to the players and the Club's underpinning Football ethos. It takes time to build a competitive premiership team. The coaches will probably say its a work in progress and it is, but WVFC is a lot further down the track than can be imagined by those that have not been to training and games over this period of time. All this in spite of some severe "raiding" by other Clubs. And oh how the loss of some players hurt, tipping the Clubs plans on its head. Saviour came in the form of a cohort of players who stayed loyal to the club. You can't buy loyalty I thought to myslef for about the millionth time this year. The casual mobility and selfishness of some players, young or older, gives me a roaring case of the shits! But for those that are with the Club the best of it is this - there is a lot of room for improvement, with a young roster that is able to improve and players from the PL18 / 16 coming forward (that's the advantage of a big strong Junior Club WVSC). The outcome - WVFC is now a serious contender in the Premier League - every game we play. As I drove to the ground I knew one thing for sure - we were a third place team on playing ability and fifth placed on the results ladder. And that's how it was likely to end in 2011 for the WVFC PL team. A good performance tonight against CFC would declare our intentions for 2012 and capability loudly to the canny football coaches and staff in the other PL clubs.
• This game against CFC was the one we wanted to play when it was scheduled for earlier in the season. We needed that game. You always want to play the best and test yourself. Tonight's game was nothing short of a season defining moment in WVFC's progression to contest the Premier League in 2012. Hope for a finals place in 2011 was slim. From a Club perspective, the vision, must of necessity, be more far sighted. The significance of this game in that longer term context, like no other game this season (and we have had some good ones this year - Belco / Olympic / Canberra City), was that it would establish our starting position for 2012. For the players, the situation is more immediate and personal as the Coach pointed out at training - this is the sort of game  you play the game for! Absolutely correct. If you can't meet this challenge, you don' t get the best the game has to offer, at any level of Football and you are not Premier League standard. Simple as that. In the ordinary way of things, there is no perfect preparation for an important game. But midweek games can be a real pain in the arse, they stretch volunteerism to the limit, worry coaches, make it difficult for players with study and work committments and introduce a degree of difficulty we could do without - all of us. That's why the  integrity of the PL draw is so important. I have no doubt that this week, CFC had its problems. WVFC came off a frustrating draw (one of four this season - don't think about the four points we got, think about the eight we lost!), three players with niggling injuries that really needed rest till next Sunday and two who were at work (yes this is one important reason we prefer not to play midweek competition PL games Captial Football!), a couple injured and unable to play, a more restricted game specific build up and, in truth, its hard to know what you are likely to get after the ref blows the whistle for the start of the game. As ever, its in the hands of the players. I must say that among the WVFC supporters, we simply hoped that we would get a Ref that had an accurate timepiece, together with sufficient basic maths to calculate a realistic measure of extra time. Strange, the things you worry about before the start of an important game!
• There was one more thought that made an unwelcome return, had been off and on for several weeks -  2-3 Clubs had scouting parties in attendance at our games (all grades, but particularly the PL) on a regular basis. We know our players are being scouted. How do we hold what has been developed? If they played well as we knew they could and hopefully would, these hunting parties would make their move sooner rather than later, as we were probably not going to make the finals in the PL. These are thoughts that fester and are no help at all before a big game like this one. (Sure enough they were there.) Well I thought, as I walked to the stadium, if your club can deliver the quality training environment that WVFC delivers every week, then do your best, because you will need more than money this time around. I hope players see it that way. Give your Club a chance I said to myself, because the grass is very green at WVFC (and CFC for that matter I guess).

All this spinning around in my head and the game yet  to begin. When I got to the ground I found I was not alone with these thoughts. I spoke to a couple of friends in Football from CFC and quickly realised that they were worried because they thought we would come to play them and beat them if they gave us a small chance. They did and we very nearly did!

And what a wonderful game it was - both teams gave everything they had. They played in good style, matching each other for goals across the length of the game, contesting the game till the final whistle. The game ended in favour of CFC on the scoreboard (5:4) and in poetic fashion, underscoring the thrill of the game - a WVFC shot rebounded of the CFC crossbar seconds before the final whistle - but what the hell - we didn't need another damn draw. For me, WVFC won the most of it on the park and CFC made it very clear, why they are the premiership contenders, the team to beat - these are  games you live to play to for -players and Club supporters.

My congratulations to WVFC and CFC for a fantastic game of Football under lights at Deakin Stadium. Both Coaches have every reason to be proud of their efforts with their players. They both looked like "shot ducks" after the game. When the game ended, neither side had anything left to give.

This how the WVFC Mens Premier League Co-ordinator reported the game to the players and supporters by email last night (no person at the ground did it harder than Mike Swan last night):

All,
A simply extraordinary performance tonight by Woden Valley FC against Canberra FC, despite going down in a nail-biter, 5-4. Probably the game of the season so far as far as the league is concerned, and certainly for the very vocal crowd of supporters on both sides who were treated to a fantastic football spectacle that was quite simply dominated by Woden Valley FC for large passages of the game.

Although we were without the playing services of two starting defenders in Jeremy Butler (on FFA business in Alice Springs) and Micah Johnson (knee injury), their places were very ably taken by Kai Chaivannacoopt and Andrew Kiley. We went into the game in a very positive frame of mind believing we could cause an upset and the first goal of the match after two minutes to Alex Oloriegbe signaled that something special might in fact be afoot. However, the next two goals were to Canberra FC; trade mark strikes from arguably the best in the league in Paul Ivanic and Adam Spaletta. However, Woden Valley was back on the score sheet before the break with the first of two goals to Irish import, Sean Murphy, score 2-2.

The start of the second half was always going to be crucial but it was Woden Valley that played all over Canberra FC in every phase of the game. A dominant mid-field performance by man of the match Daniel Sparrow along with mid-field partners Simon Hinde and Hector Alamos meant excellent service to Alex Oloriegbe and Lachlan Nichols out wide and Sean Murphy in the middle. The next two goals were Woden Valley’s scored by Sean Murphy and Paul Gagetti, score 4-2. A strong defensive effort from centre-backs Mat Kocic and Andrew Kiley and an another outstanding performance in goals by Jack Pettit should have secured the game for Woden Valley but three late goals meant a final, and very disappointing 5-4 result.

A disappointing result but an outstanding and very courageous performance notwithstanding. Congratulations to coaching staff and all senior players.

Regards

Mike Swan

Capital Football reported the game as follows and I find myself in complete agreement Russ!

05.08.11 – Canberra FC come from behind to win nine-goal thriller
Wednesday 3rd August 2011
Re-arranged fixture – Round 9

Canberra FC 5 (Paul Ivanic 12’, 76’, Adam Spaleta 16’, John Glass 67’, Victor Yanes 77’) Woden Valley 4 (Alex Oloriegbe 2’, Sean Murphy 32’, 66’, Paul Gagetti 58’)

Canberra FC kept alive their hopes of retaining the League Championship by arresting their recent slump in form winning one of the games of this, or any other, season 5-4 against Woden Valley under the floodlights at Deakin Stadium. In a game that had everything it was the visitors who went in front after only two minutes when Alex Oloriegbe found some space on the left flank before cutting inside two challenges and finishing with aplomb. Two goals inside four minutes had Canberra FC in front by the 16 minute mark when firstly Paul Ivanic slotted in from close range before Adam Spaleta tried his luck from distance, his shot ricocheting high into the night sky, before dropping over Jack Pettit who tried his best but couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line failing to claw it back in time. Incredibly Woden were level fifteen minutes later when Daniel Sparrow swung over a brilliant free-kick that was glanced past Ben Klug by Irishman Sean Murphy for his first goal at this level to send the teams in at the break at 2-2. It was Woden who appeared to have taken a march on proceedings when they netted twice after the resumption of play with Paul Gagetti poking home his sixth goal of the season from almost on the goal line and then Murphy bundling a rebound into the net after Oloriegbe had tested Klug from a free-kick. With their season apparently slipping away the champions suddenly found an extra gear. John Glass slid in a rebound after Ian Graham had seen his effort blocked by Pettit to bring the home team back into the match setting up a grandstand finale. In what could turn out to be a defining sixty seconds of the season Canberra FC not only drew level, but found the requisite strength to go in front. Ivanic levelled the scores at 4-4 stroking home his sixteenth of the season after wonderful approach play by Josip Jadric and Yanes glanced in an Adam Spaleta cross to send Deakin Stadium into bedlam. Woden still had time to fight back and almost snatched a point their performance warranted in stoppage time when Matt Kocic hit a shot from the angle that crashed back off the bar and to safety but it wasn’t to be for a gallant beaten side.

Canberra FC: 18. Ben Klug, 4. Izach Clements, 5. John Glass, 7. Paul Ivanic, 11. Ivan Pavlak, 12. Ian Graham, 14. Josip Jadric, 16. Matt Grbesa, 19. Adam Spaleta, 23. Marcin Zygmunt, 76. Aidan Brunskill

Substitutes used: 9.Michael Spaleta, 99. Victor Yanes

Woden Valley: 1. Jack Pettit, 2. Kai Chaivannacoopt, 3. Paul Gagetti, 4. Matthew Kocic, 5. Hector Alamos, 6. Andrew Kiley, 7. Alex Oloriegbe, 8. Simon Hinde, 12. Lachlan Nichols, 14. Sean Murphy, 15. Daniel Sparrow

Substitutes used: 9. Mouad Zwed, 10. Ben Pagett, 13. Samale Mohamed

Discipline: YELLOW CARDS: 12. Ian Graham, 19. Adam Spaleta (both Canberra FC), 5. Hector Alamos (Woden Valley)

Match Officials: Luke Withell (referee), Alex McConachie, William Lai


A Premier League game to be remembered. A landmark game for Woden Valley FC in it's quest for a PL title in 2012? Something to cherish about the 2011 season. Probably the best PL game I have seen in the last three years and without a doubt, the best WVFC has played in that time.

Matilda's Coach - Tom Sermani - Talks About The Womens Football Pathway

This program is broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network on Tuesday at 7:00PM.

Tonights program is about the women’s football pathway in Australia.

We speak to Tom Sermani, Coach of the Matilda's. Who better to know about this subject?

The Matilda's are blazing a bright trail for Australian Football, they have just completed a terrific World Cup campaign and are the current Asian Cup Champions. Women's Football is growing at the rapid rate across Australia, and in no small measure due to the success the W League and the Matilda's.

The growth rate of women's football in the ACT is substantial.

The Coach of the Matilda's is a very significant person in the development of Women's Football. The development pathways must work if we are to have the best of our female players making it through to the highest levels. Tom Sermani talks about the women's development pathway and in particular, where it must grow to if all our best young players have an opportunity to be as good as they can.

This is a very timely interview and from exactly the right person. Tom Sermani likes the way the women's game is being developed in the ACT.  That's a good start.

The requirement for community based clubs to be involved in the development pathway is something he makes mention of, and in particular, he makes special mention of Woden Valley FC and Belconnen United FC. Of course there are a couple of other clubs hot on their heels – new PL arrival Gunghalin United FC , the solid Western Creek and Belwest clubs come to mind.

The interview is timely from another angle. We have just completed the FFA National Junior Championships for the Girls Under 14 and Under 15. The Under 13 Girls were conducted earlier in 2011. The importance of the NJC at these ages groups is made very clear by Sermani – its all about the development pathway. So be in no doubt - we in the ACT should be taking it very seriously. Listen to what he has to say.

The question that follows for us here in the ACT region is this – are we doing all that is required to identify and develop our players at age, in preparation for these girls age championships?

If we are not, and there is reason to think we are not at this point in time, we place our young players at a significant point of disadvantage. Why? Well, Tom Sermani makes a simple but obvious point, not often mentioned in discussions – the national selectors are looking at these age groups to identify potential Under 17 World Cup players. The identification and planning and development starts well below 17 years of age.

So, if we are doing less than we should or could for the 13 / 14 / 15 girls age groups, leading to the NJC each year, then we are under-preparing our young players and making them less identifiable as talented players going forward. Which is a bit troubling, since parents pay for the cost of development training and attendance at the NJC. Parents want to be assured that what they are spending their scarce disposable income on, is value for money - they want their children to be as well prepared as possible. Football development is a discretionary expenditure in families - is the program good enough, are the coaches good enough, will the program enable their child to improve, will the players get enough of the right sort of training and games to be competitive, will they be provided with a detailed periodised program before the commencement of the development program, are the facilties up to standard and so on.

To do better, requires more time with players and coaches and greater resources than are expended at this time. But you can't transfer all costs to parents.

Given the rapid expansion of the women's game in the ACT, the issue is now a critical one. The first critical section of the pathway is for Capital Football to ensure the Under13/14/15 age group talent is identified and developed for the NJC, playing for a Club at the appropriate level during the normal season, and continuing their training in the off season (perhaps including Futsal for the Boomernags FS?).

Every young player in these age groups (13/14/15) who has been  to an NJC and selected to a National squad level (where / when they pick a national age team) or an All Star selection at age at the NJC, surely must warrant an ACTAS training agreement. My understanding is that this is not true at this time. It must happen.  What is the point of being selected by the technical assessment team at the NJC, only to find that judgement is ignored at the NTC level? The process must work at Capital Football and then going forward , in our case, to ACTAS. Capital Football has considerable influence over both of these elements in the development process - and so it should! This is a Capital Football leadership issue.

Each member federation tackles all this develop in their fashion and in the context of the FFA national curriculum and development plans. Tom Sermani is experiecned enough to know that the community level development processes, which constitute those early techncial interventions in a player's development, together with strong State Premier League competitions, will accelerate development and help retain and sustain players. As they say - everything counts!

Sermani also makes good sense on the role and composition of the NTC (ie ACTAS here in the ACT). Parking senior Canberra United and National level players is a thing of the past. The NTC is for the development of young players.

Importantly, their will be an Women's NTC Challenge, just as there is for Men. Age limits will apply, so there is even greater incentive to tidy up the roster at the NTCs.

This raises an interesting point here in the ACT. The Coach of Canberra United is also the Coach of the ACTAS womens program. It is an arrangement that has its attractions. While ACTAS continues to be a football parking area for National players and more recently W league players for Canberra United, it seemed to make good sense. However, if, as Sermani indicates, the NTC really is for the development of young players (because there are now better options for W League and National players), then the NTC (ie ACTAS) and Canberra United must be seen as completely separate football activites - which they are! That is only to the good of Womens football in the ACT region.

Tom Sermani is pleasure to talk to and he sees the development of the women's game more clearly than anyone I have heard speak on it. Better than most – he illustrates the essential difference between a “coach” and a “trainer” of football players. Informed and pragmatic – a powerful combination in a coach. He gets results at the National / International level and is very conscious of the subtle differences in the use of that word "develop" as the players moves forward to the elite level.

I think you will enjoy what Tom Sermani has to say.

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Gunghalin United Womens Premier League Team Play a Dedication Round For Victims of the Norway Attacks!

Sourced from GUFC Facebook page and President GUFC

On Sunday, Gunghalin United FC and Belconnen United FC women's premier League teams played an important game.

A clash between Gunghalin United, the new team in the Premier League this year and Belconnen United the strong, seasoned and hard to beat competition leaders of 2011, would alone  make it a bit special. 

And it was – because Gunghalin United won. It was Beloconnen United's  first loss.

But this isn't the full story! There was a very special and tragic aspect to this game.

President  GUFC advised NPL that this was a dedication game for GUFC – dedicated to the those victims of the Norway attacks.

GUFC had a very important connection to this tragedy. One of their young players was a Norwegian exchange student who left to return home at the end of July. The Club has stayed in contact and to their horror (and relief in one sense), the young player told them that two of her friends were shot and wounded, while another was shot and killed.

So GUFC dedicated the game to the victims of the tragedy. The kindnesses done are the things that we build the future on.

We are all connected in some way through the world game. Well done GUFC.