After reading a couple of the posts - I thought I'd chuck in my 2c.
1. Southern United - Although I was only involved last year, this season looks to be a massive step upwards in terms of preparation, professionalism and general approach to this competition. Paul O'Reilly is well-prepared and sessions are progressive. It's like starting from scratch again - but with the input from Football South - and the amalgamation/inclusion of the Women's, Futsal, Youth and Refereeing all finally facing the same page - it's progressive but it will take time. Success begets success. You have to start somewhere and I have been massively impressed at the effort put in not only to save the franchise but to steady the ship and build a progressive momentum moving forward. It will take some time, but it will be fruitful in the long run. There's too much short-sightedness on here - you have to remember that this is the same franchise in name only, this is a brand-new start and the results already are in my opinion - better than seasons before. The lads genuinely are hurting after losses and draws. I honestly believe it will get there - we will attract more players and a slow progression off the bottom of the table will see this happen. Really great to see the crowds at FSB - really impressed with the kids - more of this and interaction with the kids in schools etc will reap massive benefits.
2. ODT League - Agreed the league is poor - but again steps are being taken (I understand) to fix this. Inclusion of teams from South Canterbury, Invercargill and Queenstown may help improve the league. As long as there is little to money down here then the league can only get so far. Auckland is good because there is money - it attracts players and on the whole the club system is a lot more driven and professional. However the clubs do not rely on the Federation to assist them - in fact one could argue the clubs dictate to the Federation how the competition will run. This is because the clubs are self-funded through income (Juniors) or grants. The more successful the club and the public buy-in (think Bay Olympic, Birkenhead) the more income and the more success that follows. Clubs down here have a massive junior base - but you are losing those numbers with clubs that have no proper senior men's team or even a senior side at all - its a waste because the ability to retain these players becomes incredibly difficult in the transition from juniors to youth to seniors. Also in my honest opinion having a club that dictates the competition in terms of who can play and when they play (Grants Braes) is wrong (no offence). Either they make the move to the Premier League or amalgamate with another club OR allow anyone to play them in Fletchers - the club has a First Team - aim high and play in the Prems - if you get beat every week so what - Northern and Uni are still there and doing there share. I know that coaches and clubs at Prems are establishing systems and my club is working very hard at a playing style and a club that will inevitably breed success - the goal is always the future and as long as the progression of the club is constant and measurable and not stagnant - the area will grow.
3. Tahuna Park - Turn the whole facility into a 'home of football' shift all the Football South Offices and Franchise Operations there. Build club-rooms and turn the whole park apart from the #1 into artificial. This is the councils job not necessarily the Federations - but this would be huge for the region. (Lotto winners need petitioning).
All in all - I think the franchise is building and it will happen - just need to remember it's a fresh start, the League needs a shake-up and financials scrutinised with some forced amalgamation and re-introduction of further afield teams. Combined the league will grow - but needs the community support and the best coaches teaching the best football.
**Written from someone still-fairly new to the area - an a lot of time on my hands**