Renaissance of Amateur National Teams: A step in the right direction
- Armin Somrak
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Following the successful revival activities for the revival of Amateur National Teams, which were revived after a break of more than 43 years with international friendlies between Austria and Slovenia in November 2023 and April 2024, the feedback has been exclusively and consistently very positive. Players, clubs, coaches, the media, football fans, as well as first National Football Associations and sports politics, consider and evaluate the initiative to revive Amateur National Teams as reasonable and very appropriate.
The initiators are convinced that the official reintroduction of the tried-and-tested old format of Amateur National Teams, which existed until 1980, would be a right step and move. Complementing the Official Senior A-National Teams representing professional football in 211 nations, Amateur National Teams could serve as a showcase for amateur and grassroots football, strengthening its recognition in national and international football and providing it with well-deserved attention.
"The impressive figures and data from global football demonstrate the enormous importance of the amateur base as the backbone of today's football. It is time for the best amateur players from the highest Semi-Professional and Amateur Leagues to be given a stage at the national and international level," explain the initiators. They firmly believe that this format optimally represents amateur and grassroots football.
The sporting quality of the players and coaches in the Semi-Professional and Amateur Sectors is very high. Third or fourth division teams repeatedly demonstrate that they can defeat top professional clubs from the first or second divisions in national cup competitions. This is a clear indicator of the high sporting performance and attractiveness of elite amateur football.
The organizers are convinced that amateur international matches can once again become attractive to spectators, the media, sponsors, and businesses. In the age of social media and digital communities, information can be disseminated more quickly and professionally, achieving high traffic and distribution.
We are optimistic that the new format will fill small stadiums again and lead to attractive and exciting international matches. In addition, the market value of many amateur players will increase, and some of them will certainly make the step to professional football, as was the case in the past. In summary, this means comprehensive promotion of football for everyone involved and contributing.
コメント