FMA hosts Japanese journos in Melbourne
by Murray Shaw
THE Football Media Association was privileged to host a reception for a party of Japanese journalists on the eve of the final World Cup qualifier at the MCG in June.
The night was a chance to welcome the Japanese media to Melbourne, treat them to some Australian hospitality and give them a contact point should they have any media queries during their time in the country.
Close to 50 members of the media were in attendance including several locals who accepted the invitation without even being aware of the presence of the FMA. By the end of the night they all vowed to sign up and spread the word.
Unfortunately the timing of Japan’s final training session meant not as many travelling media were able to attend as had been expected but the handful that were there did express their gratitude. The FMA has received several e-mails following the event to thank us for thinking of them. I’m sure the hospitality will be reciprocated the next time the Socceroos head to Japan.
FFA Chief Executive Ben Buckley was apologetic for being a late withdrawal from the night. In his absence the FFA’s Head of Corporate and Public Affairs, Bonita Mersiades made a short presentation on Australia’s 2018-2022 World Cup bid which had been officially launched in Canberra days earlier.
The night was a resounding success and wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the FFA. The FMA and FFA are already in talks about hosting a similar event for the Dutch journalists when they head down under in October.
June 2009
THE Football Media Association was privileged to host a reception for a party of Japanese journalists on the eve of the final World Cup qualifier at the MCG in June.
The night was a chance to welcome the Japanese media to Melbourne, treat them to some Australian hospitality and give them a contact point should they have any media queries during their time in the country.
Close to 50 members of the media were in attendance including several locals who accepted the invitation without even being aware of the presence of the FMA. By the end of the night they all vowed to sign up and spread the word.
Unfortunately the timing of Japan’s final training session meant not as many travelling media were able to attend as had been expected but the handful that were there did express their gratitude. The FMA has received several e-mails following the event to thank us for thinking of them. I’m sure the hospitality will be reciprocated the next time the Socceroos head to Japan.
FFA Chief Executive Ben Buckley was apologetic for being a late withdrawal from the night. In his absence the FFA’s Head of Corporate and Public Affairs, Bonita Mersiades made a short presentation on Australia’s 2018-2022 World Cup bid which had been officially launched in Canberra days earlier.
The night was a resounding success and wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the FFA. The FMA and FFA are already in talks about hosting a similar event for the Dutch journalists when they head down under in October.
June 2009
