Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SOCCER (FOOTBALL)
Soccer comes a lowly fourth in the popularity race between Sydney's football codes, but
received a boost when Australia qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and again in
2010 - the last time they qualified before that was 1974.
Formerly the domain of dapper septuagenarians, lawn bowls has become inexplicably hip for
a certain demographic in recent years. Young folks have learned to appreciate the sport's af-
fordability, retro-kitsch vibe and the time-honoured traditions of drinking and smoking while
the balls are rolling. Jack high!
European immigrants kickstarted many of the city's local teams, which became strongly
associated with particular ethnicities. Fan tensions were particularly pronounced in matches
between the Croatian-dominated Sydney United and Serbian-dominated Bonnyrigg White
Eagles, culminating in a riot in 2005.
Things have settled down since the creation of the A-League ( www.footballaustralia.com.au/
aleague ) (consisting of nine Australian and one New Zealand team) and the multi -ethnic
Sydney FC ( www.footballaustralia.com.au/sydneyfc ) , which won the championship in 2006 and
2010. The league bucks convention, playing games from late August to February rather
than through the depths of winter.
 
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