- I signed up for my Wellington Phoenix membership today. Not sure if I will get to all the games in the first half of the season, but the entertainment value of last year’s games was second to none for sports in this country. My own (limited) sporting prowess was mainly in the oval ball arena, but there is no denying the intensity of quality football. The A-League might not be up there with the Premiership, but it is well worth a look. And no matter what, the Yellow Fever make it all worthwhile.
- Also on the football agenda in Wellington (and the rest of NZ) is the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in October and November. Women’s football talent from all over the world, and by all accounts a New Zealand team that is shaping up well. I understand there are plans already under way to engage schools and football fans in the tournament, which will be great.
and on a sad note it is worth marking Charlie Dempsey’s passing. Dempsey’s role in getting NZ to the World Cup in 1982 was huge, and despite some odd behaviour at times, he bestrode NZ football for many years. I love the fact that in the 82 All Whites team photo Dempsey put himself in the front row, centre. To paraphrase David Lange, he was Roman Abramovich without the ethnic charm;-) (and well before his time). Go in peace, Charlie.
Grant Robertson - Wellington Central
0 Responses to “Football bits”