IT WOULD be great to have an A-League soccer team in our area, but unless there is some master plan and bucketloads of cash thrown at attracting quality players, it's unlikely to soon become a reality.
A Macarthur-based A-League team might struggle in its debut season, judging by Macarthur Rams' experience stepping up a level to NSW Premier League.
Lying bottom of the ladder, the Rams average about 600 attending home games at Campbelltown Stadium not a lot of atmosphere.
But their average attendance is more than most of the other NSW Premier League clubs.
Rams coach Paul Carter believes having a Macarthur-based A-League team would be an excellent idea.
``I think the location is absolutely fantastic for an A-League side,'' Carter said.
``We're right in the middle of a big football area when you think of the massive supporter base Wollongong, Fairfield and Penrith have.
``Imagine the rivalry in a game between Sydney FC and Sydney West, if the A-League team was called that. It would be sensational.''
No longer is it true that up-and-coming young stars are proud to play for the jersey and kiss the badge as they take to the field.
In some instances this still might be the case, but many soccer players are plying their wares worldwide to attract the highest bidder.
Rams chairman Rob Burns believes the Rams calling Campbelltown Stadium their home ground is great for the club, but I think there could have been a vast difference in the team's fortunes if they had been allowed to play their home games at their traditional headquarters at Lynwood Park.
I'm quite sure many Rams fans would agree that it could have been a much different scenario if the Rams had hosted the league's heavyweights at Lynwood Park.
In many people's minds soccer takes second stage at Campbelltown Stadium and probably rightly so many consider it Wests Tigers' part-time home ground.
This has been evident in some of the Rams' games when rugby league logos and line markings remained on the pitch.
Until south-west Sydney gets a ground to call its true ``home of soccer'', I can't see any promoters intent on establishing an A-League team in the region, having any luck.
Let's get behind the Rams and hope they can cut it in the NSW Premier League.