Canberra’s secret A-League weapon to unearth the next Tom Rogic?

Ron Smith remembers the first time he coached future A-League, Socceroo and Celtic playmaker Tom Rogic.

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His role spans player development and coaching in the community.

“Every time I speak with the guys behind the Canberra bid [Michael Caggiano and Bede Gahan] you put the phone down and feel inspired,” says Smith, a long-time Canberran.

Smith says it’s all about the community when it comes to Canberra.

That will be key to Canberra’s success in the A-League.

“There are a lot of people here and in surrounding districts who’d like to see football in the capital city.

“It will stimulate local fans. And there are so many more participants than ever before.

“And the population, like many parts of Australia, could double in 20 years because there’s enough space to expand.”

The English-born Australian Smith played semi-professional in England's Isthmian League.

“I was a good passer and dribbler, but was underpowered and injured a lot."

He taught Physical Education as his day job.

The sprightly veteran of coaching moved to Australia in the 1970s, where his inclination to teach and coach found a natural home on the other side of the world.

He soon worked at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) where he helped fine-tune many of Australia’s future Golden Generation of Premier League and European talent.

And he’s still working in the talent development background to help Australia’s capital city and the ACT in the event their A-League bid is greenlit.

“It’s very difficult for ACT players to get into an A-League environment without a local A-League club.

“A lot go to Sydney and Melbourne to play NPL which is a longer season compared to here.

”It’s not enough football. And for NYL, playing eight games isn’t enough either," he points, somewhat frustrated.