Frank Farina: We must find a way to increase investment in youth development

They say you can’t keep a good man down and in the life of Frank Farina, former Socceroo striker and head coach, football is like oxygen - he can’t live without it.

Frank Farina’s Comeback – For the Love of the Game.

They say you can’t keep a good man down and in the life of Frank Farina, former Socceroo striker and head coach, football is like oxygen – he can’t live without it.



Farina first emerged as star quality when he scored the equalising goal for the Young Socceroos against Mexico in their 1-1 all draw at Azteca Stadium in 1983. This all in front of 110,000 fanatical home supporters.

Farina’s career up to 1998 is well chronicled  in his biography, “ My World is Round”, but it was only in 2016 that he completed his last coaching assignment in Fiji.

The scorer of 145 goals in 336 senior matches in Australia and abroad, speaks volumes for his lethal striking.

Recently, Farina joined the First X1 which was assembled by the FFA  as an advisory panel to recommend measures to improve the game .

Also, he is hoping to take up the position of technical director for the Charles Perkins Academy when Macarthur Bulls start in the next A-League season.

Frank Farina is committed to leaving a legacy for Australian football and in this interview with Roger Sleeman, he reveals his enduring passion for our game.

ROGER SLEEMAN

You were part of the class of 1983 which competed so well  in the Mexico World Youth Cup, playing alongside such legends as Rod Brown, Rene Licata, David Lowe, Jim Patikas, Tom McCulloch, Danny Wright and Tony Franken to mention a few.

Apart from Tony Franken and Jim Patikas, most of the squad aren’t involved in the game to any extent.

Why?

FRANK FARINA

It certainly was a great squad and our win against the European champions, Scotland, who boasted some amazing talent in future stars, Paul McStay, Brian McClair, Dave McPherson, Pat Nevin and Eric Black,  was one which will live forever in my mind.

Les Scheinflug and Raoul Blanco seemed like tough coaches at the time as they instilled their discipline on the team. Yet, in hindsight, we learned to see the game in a professional way.

After the players finished their football careers, the professionalism of the game was not so advanced so they had to seek opportunities outside of football.

The passion remained but the chances to remain in the game were limited so many of them pursued business interests with great success.

ROGER SLEEMAN

You were selected in the First X1 by the FFA and apart from discussion about a transfer system, what else has been achieved?

FRANK FARINA

We recently had a long discussion about the women’s game and how it can be used as a catalyst to promote the game in all areas.

However, it’s early days and the main concentration is to identify strengths and weaknesses  and collect facts so we can make informed recommendations to the Board.

ROGER SLEEMAN

Do you communicate with Brisbane Roar, or have they approached you to provide advice and be involved with the club?

FRANK FARINA

Unfortunately, I haven’t and naturally a lot of people have moved on since I was coaching at the club.

Nevertheless, I still watch their progress closely.

ROGER SLEEMAN

Did you have any contact with Robbie Fowler while he was at the Roar?

FRANK FARINA

No, because he had his own people there.

As a coach, you live and die by your decisions and often the staff you select will have a major impact on the final outcome.

It’s a shame he didn’t remain at the club because the team definitely improved under his management.

ROGER SLEEMAN

What is your opinion of Dylan Wentzel-Halls?

FRANK FARINA

He improved out of sight this season as he increased his speed over 10-15 metres .

Also, rather than coming back on his right foot from the left, he is now running at players with pace and taking them on both ways.

If he can keep this improvement up, he will have a great future.

ROGER SLEEMAN

What is the current status of your proposed appointment as  the technical director of the Charles Perkins Academy at the Macarthur Bulls?

FRANK FARINA

With the departure of Football Director, Ken Stead, and when the major backer, Lang Walker left the club, my position became unclear.

With the rise of COVID-19 and the uncertainty surrounding the next A-League season commencement, I’m in limbo.

However, I’m in regular contact with Sam Krslovic and Gino Marra so hopefully something positive will transpire.

ROGER SLEEMAN

In the A-League, there are specialist goalkeeper coaches, but no striker coaches.

Why can’t people like you and Marshall Soper be employed in such roles?

FRANK FARINA

I’ve never seen striker coaches as such but I believe they’re  used in Germany, according to Marshall Soper who was at Kaiserslauten in January.

I certainly agree with the concept because finishing is a speciality but today the game has evolved into a total team structure.

If you’re playing a pressing game, dropping off or playing counter attacking football, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a striker, midfielder or defender, you are asked to occupy multiple roles.

ROGER SLEEMAN

At the moment we have coaches, particularly in technical positions, who have never played the game at a high level.

How can somebody coach at a high level when they haven’t played at a high level?

FRANK FARINA

Regarding this issue, I’ve had a problem with the coaching curriculum over the past ten years because people are obtaining Pro Diplomas who haven’t excelled at a playing level. What’s more they’re actually getting the jobs.

It’s a bit like a surgeon who gains his qualifications without ever operating.

I find the whole thing bizarre and I believe the curriculum in a nutshell is the basis of the problem.

There are different opinions on coaching but if you don’t agree with the curriculum, opportunities are limited.

The game in this country is producing robots and the fact is, they’re aren’t enough successful, former players engaged in key coaching roles.

ROGER SLEEMAN

You were a totally two sided player and during last season, I analysed that only 10% of A-League players were competent on both feet.

How can we change this situation?

FRANK FARINA

I only started using my left side at the age of thirteen because I had a problem with my right ankle and wanted to reduce the weight on my right side.

The coaching of young players at grass roots is critical and often they don’t receive adequate skills training by the time they’re fourteen which is the time tactical awareness needs to be introduced.

Also, you have to ask how much time is spent with the ball by young players, away from training and games.

ROGER SLEEMAN

Many of the games we see in senior football are dominated by the ball being played backwards and across the backline, whereas in your playing days, you looked to play it forward.

How can this be corrected?

FRANK FARINA

Once again it comes back to the curriculum which emphasises possession football.

A team can have 70% of possession while making 20-30 passes back and across the park but they’re not doing anything to hurt their opponents.

In rugby league, 70-80% of possession means a team will win easily, while in our game, 90% of possession doesn’t guarantee a team winning if they don’t get enough into forward areas to maximise scoring chances.

The curriculum drums into coaches’ heads to play the ball out from the back but there’s a right and a wrong time to do it.

For example, if you’re 1-0 down, are you still going to play out from the back?

ROGER SLEEMAN

The FFA Board has members with no football background.

Why aren’t we involving people like Jack Reilly, Danny Moulis, Glen Sterrey, Gary Marocchi and Peter Katholos who have achieved major success in business and football?

FRANK FARINA

The answer is simple.

If they’ve put their hands up, these people are all worthy to sit on the Board.

ROGER SLEEMAN

In a recent interview, you stated lack of money was a major problem in our game, particularly with youth development.

Before the recent 70% culling of staff  at the FFA, there were as many as 105 people engaged as employees and contractors.

Also, there were significant bonuses and a large wages bill paid for the Asian Cup.

Your comment.

FRANK FARINA

If money is going to the wrong areas, you have to correct that.

You only have to see the resources invested in Asian football to see how successful the game can be. Therefore, in Australia we must find a way to increase the investment in youth development and the game will boom.

ROGER SLEEMAN

You were part of a magnificent era which produced so many players who achieved at a high level overseas.

When will these legends of the game be recognised?

FRANK FARINA

I’ve always said ,to know where you’re going, you have to know where you’ve been and that includes experiencing the highs and lows.

Before James Johnson was appointed CEO, the people in charge were the wrong fit for the game.

Also, the Dutch coaches predicted we would see the fruits of their efforts realised in 10-12 years but it hasn’t happened.

The success of the 2006 World Cup squad was the result of the investment in local players from the late 1980’s but at the moment our national team resembles nothing.

Therefore, the game has to provide more involvement and opportunity for former players to return and contribute, so some semblance of the glory days can be restored.

Previous ArticleNext Article

TSG Hoffenheim extends partnership with SAP until 2030

TSG Hoffenheim has confirmed a long-term extension of its partnership with SAP, one of the most established and technology-driven sponsorships in German football. The renewed agreement, running through to 2030, will see SAP continue as main sponsor, front-of-shirt partner, and official technology partner — while expanding its involvement across the women’s and academy teams.

This extension highlights the strong commitment from both parties and reinforces the growing importance of tech-focused partnerships in shaping modern football strategy and infrastructure.

Among the Bundesliga’s Longest-Standing Sponsorships

SAP has featured on Hoffenheim’s kits since the 2013/14 season, making it one of the Bundesliga’s three longest-running front-of-shirt sponsors. The expanded deal includes:

  • Continued main sponsorship of the men’s first team
  • Sleeve sponsorship for the TSG Hoffenheim women’s team from the 2025/26 season
  • Shirt sponsorship for the club’s academy sides (U16–U19)
  • Branding on training gear and matchday apparel
  • In-stadium branding, including façade signage and TV-facing boards
  • Naming rights to specific stands and hospitality areas at Hoffenheim’s home ground

Managing Director of Marketing and Sales at TSG Hoffenheim, Tim Jost, underlines the club’s strong commitment to SAP and the future of their joint venture.

“Two strong brands from the region are stepping into the future together. We are delighted to extend our intensive partnership with SAP for the long term.

“SAP’s commitment goes far beyond that of a main and shirt sponsor. SAP’s technical expertise is the basis for our role as an innovation leader. In addition, the extension shows once again that TSG have a loyal partner in SAP, who by agreeing to a long-term extension are sending a strong signal of trust in times of change,” he said via press release.

This renewal comes at a time when stability and strategic partnerships are more important than ever in football sponsorship, especially given evolving economic conditions and club ownership models.

A Broader Partnership Beyond Branding

SAP will continue as Hoffenheim’s official technology partner, providing data integration, analytics, and digital performance tools to support both sporting and business operations.

For Hoffenheim, the agreement extends beyond financial support — SAP’s involvement helps position the club as one of the Bundesliga’s most innovation-driven organisations, with projects spanning player tracking, injury prevention, and fan experience enhancements.

The partnership also reflects a strong regional connection, both SAP and Hoffenheim are based in Baden-Württemberg, fostering shared community values and a regional identity.

A Model of Stability and Regional Collaboration

This extension exemplifies a regionally grounded sponsorship with global impact. SAP, a multinational company with over 108,000 employees, remains a locally rooted partner in Walldorf, just 20 kilometres from Hoffenheim’s home base.

From a commercial standpoint, this ongoing alliance strengthens TSG Hoffenheim’s reputation as a long-term, values-aligned sponsorship platform for premium, tech-focused brands.

Football Australia appoint Heather Garriock as Interim CEO

Football Australia has announced the appointment of Heather Garriock as Interim Chief Executive Officer, following James Johnson’s resignation.

This appointment is a landmark moment for Football Australia, with Ms Garriock becoming the first woman ever to lead the organisation.

As the most popular sport in both Australia and the world, this marks a significant turning point in the history of Australian sport.

A former Matilda, Olympian, and accomplished sports administrator, Ms Garriock brings a wealth of experience to the role.

She has previously led Australian Taekwondo as CEO, has been a member of the Football Australia Board since 2021, and currently sits on the Asian Football Confederation’s Technical Committee.

Ms Garriock also had an exceptional playing career. She represented the Matildas in three FIFA Women’s World Cups, three AFC Women’s Asian Cups, and two Olympic Games.

In recognition of her remarkable contribution to the sport, she was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2021.

As part of standard governance procedures, Ms Garriock officially stepped down from her position on the Football Australia Board yesterday.

Ms Garriock expressed her honour in taking on the role, highlighting her commitment to inclusive leadership, key strategic goals, and drawing on her lifelong experience in football to guide the game’s future at the highest level.

“I’m honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal time for football in Australia,” Garriock said in a press release.

“My focus will be on strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership as we work to deliver on key priorities — from Socceroos World Cup qualification and the appointment of a new Matildas coach, to the delivery of major tournaments and the continued development of our digital platform, PlayFootball.

“I have spent a lifetime in football and have literally played every position in football both on and off their field.

“This experience provides me with the unique ability to bring all perspectives of our game to the highest levels of decision making and build on the great work of James Johnson.”

She will now take on the role of Interim CEO while the Board undertakes both a local and international search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend