THE people of Dubbo deserve an A-League fixture according to former Central Coast Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik.
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Following a recent trial game between the Mariners and Newcastle in Orange, the push to have an A-League game played in Dubbo has picked up further momentum.
In July this year, the franchise's boss Shaun Mielekamp visited Dubbo to inspect facilities and discuss bringing a top level fixture to the city.
Kwasnik, who since his retirement has worked for the Mariners as a community development officer, has spent the past few days in Dubbo running training sessions with local juniors.
He believes a "healthy relationship" has been formed between Dubbo and the Mariners that could result in an A-League game, or at least a trial game, being played here in the not too distant future.
"There are a few things to assess and hoops to jump through but a game out here would be fantastic," he said.
"The people out here deserve it and I think it would be a great success, the crowd would be massive.
"The A-League and Mariners need to follow what the NRL have done in bringing games out to country areas and make the most of the region which loves its sport."
Kwasnik was impressed with the level of skill on display at the clinics, and despite some of the players only being five and six years old, he saw plenty of potential soccer stars in the future.
"There is a lot of talent in Dubbo and in the surrounding towns," he said.
"It is something of an untapped resource and the kids have been fantastic.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking for talented kids and to see the quality we have at such a young age is amazing.
"We are definitely looking at establishing a pathway for the kids here which will help their development."
Kwasnik hopes to return with the Mariners in January for another clinic and to continue to strengthen the relationship between the club and Dubbo and the region.
"I'd really like to thank the Dubbo Football association as myself and the other coaches have all been really well looked after," he said.
Kwasnik retired in 2014 after a career which included two stints with the Mariners as well as some time in China and is still the second all-time leading scorer for the A-League club.
