A Late November Letter

I believe I have mentioned elsewhere that whilst engaging in bucolic pursuits I refect on my involvement in the game of association football.

What was soccer like when I first trod the hallowed turf of South Hobart in 1954 and how has it changed. Well Tasmanian soccer in 54 was like living in a block of flats. Everyone knew that there were other residents in the building but only met them on the stairs or lobby from time to time. Occasionally there would be an organised dinner party where all took part. The greatest excitement would be when there was an organised visit by the gasman or meter reader. On an intermittent basis the residents would get together and sally forth for an outing.

Things stayed much the same until the 1st State League. I suppose you could say there that the residents organised regular card evenings until some one started to lose too much money but on the local scene the little box system persisted.

The big changes came when Rodger Marlor became the permanent paid part-time secretary. I cannot remember the date. Things certainly became better organised in Southern Tasmania. I could not tell you what was happening up North as in those days there was little or no communication at Club level.

Then along came the summer state league followed by the winter state league then in 1999 nothing at all. The Southern super league based at KG V failed to get off the ground. I have had plenty of time to revisit the paperwork surrounding that venture. Like most projects sounded a good idea at the time but in reality was doomed to failure. Why? Because the proponents only listened to those that supported it. I remember at the meeting the general consensus being “if we are going to lose money we would rather do it at our home venues “.

In between time Soccer Tas was formed. No longer a block of flats but a guesthouse with a landlord. All paid the same rent, no visitors without permission. No longer the occasional chat on the stairs but organised games nights in the lounge room. You actually got the opportunity to meet the people upstairs.

Sadly we no longer receive any guests. This is understandable when we look at the way soccer has changed on the National and World scenes. Rarely do Club or representative sides do the Grand Tour of all states.

The A League has replaced the National adult carnivals.

I do not know what was going on the junior scene but things must have been very different especially in Hobart. I do remember a High School

league and the uproar when the Southern Tasmanian Soccer Association decided that all “Division 1 “ Clubs should have junior teams. This I believe has been a major plus in Southern Tasmanian Soccer. I wish this principle were statewide.

Met a gentleman at Golf the other day that claimed he set up the current Primary structure. Apparently all Hobart used to come under one administration. He set up the current three regions concept. He was also instrumental in bringing in reduced ground sizes, as it would appear all matches were played on full size fields in those days. Are we talking about 20 / 30 years ago??

There are those that say that Soccer was at its height in the 60’s or 70’s. I am not so sure. Perhaps at the top level but certainly not down below. The 60’s and 70’s Junior and Primary Soccer, which are the building blocks of our game, were pale in comparison with our present structures.

The ‘Premier League “side I played for in about 1960 was not in the same town as a current Division 2 sides. People only remember the talented few.

I believe that Soccer was at its peak during the initial State League period about 1968? . Not only was the Premier State League a top-notch competition but also the local supporting leagues were nearly as good. I recall in the 1st year two of the leading Southern Div 1 sides were S Hobart and Hobart Juventus. We could debate this aspect forever.

What are the positives after 50 years? A common statewide administration even though there are still pockets of parochialism. A structured Coaching and development program albeit largely self-funded by the participants. More participants at both Adult and junior levels. The remarkable expansion of women’s soccer. In the early days women’s teams commanded a novelty value. Not so now I am glad to say Women’s soccer is a standalone-expanding component of the Tasmanian Soccer scene.

Are there negatives? Of course there are but I’ll leave that to you .

Hope to see you around next year and may the side you support prosper.

Brian Roberts.