Super soccer
Billed
as “Australia’s Next Top Model with balls”,
Football Superstar is the latest entrant in the field
of locally produced reality television. In fact, the Next
Top Model comparison isn’t too far off the mark; although
I prefer to think of it as Nerds FC for the talented.
There was a time, not that long ago, when an Australian
show based around football (a.k.a. soccer) would have been unthinkable.
Although it’s a discussion for another time and place, it’s
a measure of how far football has come in this country in recent
years, that this show even exists.
The show follows the now-familiar reality TV formula
of throwing a group of contestants together and having them battle
through a series of challenges to win the ultimate prize (see
Survivor, The Amazing Race, Project Runway
et al for other examples). In this case, that prize is actually
something relevant to the show’s premise – a contract
with A-League club Sydney FC for a minimum of one season. Personally,
I think that’s a much better reward for having your life
on display for the viewing delectation of the nation than simply
being given a lump of money. That’s especially the case
as the contestants are all young (under 25).
In the first couple of episodes, a pool of 40 players
from five cities was assembled. That player pool was then whittled
down, first to 30; then to 15. These final 15 are the core of
the show. A la Next Top Model, they’re thrown together
in a “dream house”, where tensions and petty jealousies
inevitably bubble to the surface.
They’re given a house mentor, former national
league player and now-businessman Vitale Ferrante, and they’re
judged (unlike the ANTM contestants) on both their on-field
and off-field behaviour. Of course, with all that testosterone
flying about, the latter can prove something of a trial at times.
The challenges encompass the usual game show shenanigans; ranging
from Army style boot camps to public speaking. But they also get
to actually play some football matches too.
The boys are judged by a team of four; which includes
Ferrante, and the Sydney FC trio of conditioning coach Nik Hagicostas,
youth team coach Steve O’Connor and head coach John Kosmina.
Those who know anything about Australian soccer will have already
guessed that the panel is dominated by Kosmina – or Kossie
as he’s known. The closest thing the A-League has to a walking
headline (at least since the departure of Miron Bleiberg), Kossie
has, shall we say, singular views and isn’t afraid to express
them. Naturally, this makes for great television.
The show is hosted by ex-boy-band singer and now
celebrity handbag Brian McFadden, and recently retired Matilda
Amy Taylor. OK, maybe I’m being unfair on McFadden, because
it’s abundantly clear he’s passionate about football
and actually knows what he’s talking about. Taylor adds
a bit of a glam factor, and hopefully will also get the chance
to display her undoubted football knowledge as the series goes
on.
I suspect Football Superstar will draw
a similar audience as Australia’s Next Top Model;
but for different reasons. Men are more likely to tune in for
its sporting theme and (in some cases) to relive past glories.
Women will most likely be attracted by the group of 15 fit, young
blokes running around. This is probably the exact opposite of
the reasons people watch ANTM; but if it works, why not.
While Football Superstar isn’t all
that much different from many other reality TV shows, it marks
a remarkable rise for the sport in this country. Being local,
and given the personalities involved, this is definitely worth
a look if you have pay TV.
Phil James
