Aidan Ormond Jan 23 2011 11:01
Sometimes dreams come true. It has for Tom Rogic. Front page news in the Canberra Times today.
Others know the Rogic story in detail, I do not. I've certainly seen him play Football and Futsal in recent years. I do know that the path he walked to get the opportunity now before him was the hard way to do it. I also know that many coaches would have contributed in their way, along the way. But none more so in the last two years than his former PL League Coach at ANU - John Mitchell.
I wonder - would this have been possible if Mitchell had not got motivated and raise the ANU Under 20 Elite program? I prefer to think that Rogic's talent would have got him there anyway. You hope so.
The simple truth is that in 2009 particularly (and 2010) the ANU Under 20 Elite program provided Rogic with an unmatched opportunity to engage in high quality periodised training, like no other Club at the time in the ACT. John Mitchell raised the bar in the Premier League here in the ACT (outside the AIS and ACTAS) and many of the rest of the Clubs took the hint and have followed in their fashion.
Then their is Rogic's talent at Futsal, which got him to the Futsalroos. Strewth, can he play! That must have helped a lot.
The point I make is this - someone, somehow had to construct an opportunity for a young player outside the AIS, with no local A League Youth team to go to, to get a shot at professional football. I think John Mitchell and his ANU Under 20 Elite program was the essential input at the right time. There is a lesson here for those that conduct our development programs, if they look carefully. It was pleasing to see Mitchell referred to in the Canberra Time today.
There are a lot of clues in the ANU Under 20 Elite program (now defunct) for the way ahead with our talented young players - the best of the best at age!
Go back and listen to our interviews with John Mitchell on the NPL. Its all there!
ACT starlet Tom Rogic said he was stunned and elated after winning one of eight professional contracts at the Nike Academy in England announced in London on Saturday night.
At a function attended by former Arsenal and Barcelona star Giovanni van Bronkhurst, Rogic was the final name to be read out for the eight full-time contracts on offer.
“Words can’t describe it,” Rogic told au.fourfourtwo.com just moments after the announcement.
The other winners came from France, Belgium, South Korea, UK and South Africa.
“I was hoping it would be me but I had my doubts for sure,” Rogic, a tall, skilful midfielder said. “There were 32 quality players for sure and only would make it so I still had my doubts.”
Those doubts were based on Rogic’s fitness heading into the three day trial with a niggling back complaint restricting his output.
Earlier on Saturday, Rogic played in an 11 v 11 game at MK Dons home ground before a trip to the Emirates to see Arsenal take on Wigan.
He said he felt he’d done enough from the trial game to impress but was never sure how the decision would go.
The 18-year-old playmaker – who last played for ANU in Canberra but who attributes Futsal as a key part of his development – will move to England mid-year to take up the one year scholarship.
“Futsal has definitely helped me. I’m a better footballer for it.”
The Nike Academy program will be based at Loughborough University – regarded as one of the country’s best sports and learning environments – and the Nike team will play reserves sides from EPL clubs.
The Chance is a global search for elite amateur players around the world giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent and give them a chance to make it as a professional player.
Photo: Aidan Ormond