The Southern Tablelands Football Association (STFA) and Highlands Soccer are happy with what they have seen from their association partner Macarthur FC two games into the 2020/21 A-League season; one win, one loss.
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STFA director Craig Norris felt Macarthur "came out of the blocks in the first game pretty well, looked a little tired in the second, but were pretty good overall".
Norris explained the benefits of being in a partnership with the club.
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"Their main priority at the moment is to get up and running, but in time, they will provide a direct pathway to an A-League club for us," Norris said.
"They will help promote the game for us, will do school holiday camps and help coach our coaches."
The same benefits apply to Highlands Soccer.
The youngsters have outclassed the experienced so far in what has been an unpredictable start to the season.
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Nineteen-year-old Calem Nieuwenhof scored a cracker from 30 yards out for Sydney FC, 23-year-old Dylan Wenzel-Halls bagged a goal and an assist in the Brisbane Roar's second game and to top it all off, the Central Coast Mariners and their squad with a mountain of youth lead the competition.
However, one youngster who has really impressed Norris is Macarthur FC forward Lachlan Rose.
"He looks so lively and is so good to watch," Norris said.
"He was only a trialist with them and they gave him a contract."
Macarthur may have had a hiccup against the Mariners following their 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers on their A-League debut, but the signs are promising.
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Socceroos reserve goalkeeper Adam Federici has been a wall in goal and the human bulldozer in Mark Milligan has been bossing the heart of midfield at 35 years of age.
Once the Spanish pairing of Benat Etxebarria and Markel Susaeta, who both played in the 2011/12 Europa League final with Athletic Bilbao, build on their match fitness and link up with the likes of French veteran Loic Puyo and 2010/11 English League Cup winner with Birmingham City Matt Derbyshire, gold will form.
Macarthur FC plays the Wellington Phoenix next at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday and Norris tipped the home side to win 2-0.
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Burney Wong
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
