Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop has declared soccer will become the nation’s most popular sport, beating out AFL and NRL.
Speaking with Neil Mitchell on radio station 3AW this week, Gallop said the accessibility and diversity of the sport will inevitably see it become the country’s most popular sport.
“Toddlers are now playing the game as well as over 45-year-olds,” he said.
“Also, with 20 per cent of players now female, it is now available to everyone, which no other sport can match.
“As the world gets smaller, football gets bigger.”
The future development of the sport in the country and around its borders will make a big impact.
“By the year 2020, there will be 400,000,000 people playing football in Asia and we’re going to be part of it.”
The bold prediction comes at an exciting period for soccer in Australia. Just this year, two major British clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, visited our shores to play against some of Australia’s best and to packed stadiums.
High profile players are also making the move down under, with star international signings like Alessandro Del Piero and William Gallas showing the growing reputation of Australian soccer.
Now, with a World Cup campaign underway, the name of Australian soccer will get a local and international boost and will see many young players sign up to their local club. For many countries, grassroots level has been the training ground for potential stars, but more importantly has created lifelong fans of the sport. Auskick in the AFL is a successful example of that, and with player numbers increasing in local soccer clubs, in a couple of years the sport will be filling its stands each match. Soccer also has a much more inclusive program, paving the way for multicultural participation and a much more advanced women’s league than other sport. After the World Cup, Australia will be hosting the AFC Asian Cup, keeping the momentum going for the sport internationally while in a local setting.
If all these opportunities are harnessed well, Gallop’s prediction could come true quicker than expected.