As first reported by the Herald Sun, the FFA is strongly considering a bid to host the ASEAN Football Federation Under 19 youth championships in 2020 or 2021.
The tournament would most likely be held specifically in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, given their close proximities to Asia.
The FFA is looking to strengthen its position in Asia and hosting a tournament such as this would go a long way towards achieving that.
It would also be beneficial to the rising stars of Australian soccer.
To be able to play in a tournament like this is already a great testament to their commitment and ability.
But to play in Australia against some of the best on your continent would do wonders for their future in soccer.
Take German legend Philipp Lahm for example.
He played the most minutes out of any German in the 2006 World Cup, a tournament that was indeed hosted by Germany.
He had a wonderful tournament that although, didn’t end in a World Cup trophy (Germany came third after defeating Portugal in the play-off) but did see him nominated for the Team of the Tournament.
He was named alongside legendary defenders such as Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram.
Bear in mind, Lahm was only 22 at the time.
His home tournament would’ve been a catalyst for his rapid rise to stardom with the German national team and his domestic club, Bayern Munich.
A tournament on home shores could do something similar for our aspiring soccer stars.