I agree to a certain extent JV but the same holds true for adult players too. There are more adults playing football than the other codes too at about 50%.
There's a disconnect both in watching and media interest in local football that's puzzling.
They put Coronation Street on TV in England, people watch it for generations.
They put Shortland Street on TV in NZ, people watch it for decades.
They put rugby on TV in NZ, people watch it for generations.
I played football(soccer) since I was 5 years old. I have never played a game of rubgy in my life. I have watched Rugby on TV and live matches for decades. well 3 decades...not to give away my age. So basically it is not the medias fault as such...it is mine. I put my hand up and I am probably not alone.
I have lived in Europe now for 11 years and cant wait to one day return to NZ and make amends for my actions by getting down to the parks and supporting Auckland City and other local football teams.
Its all going to take time the supporters don't want to go along or wouldn't watch it in huge numbers if it was on TV because the standard would be below all other football leagues they have seen on TV and it is missing the history aspect. The standard can only improve significantly if it is a professional league but this requires the sort of money driven by TV rights and demand. We are just going to be stuck in the catch 22 situation for another 10 years.
At the moment compared to 15 years ago I am happy we a have the opportunity to be involved in the A-League, we have decent players playing in decent levels throughout the world and we qualify for a lot of fifa tournaments including the Fifa Club World Cup.
Good luck ACFC!