Fan of the Week – Liam Campfens
This week’s fan of the week is Liam Campfens. Liam is a passionate Phoenix supporter who heads up the Christchurch Phoenix supporters group who meet up every weekend to watch Phoenix games live and support the team.
1) What is your earliest football memory?
I remember being on a family holiday in Scotland when I was about 7 or 8 and my Uncle took me to a Glasgow Rangers game at Ibrox. I can’t remember much about the match except for the incredible noise from the crowd.
2) What is your favourite football memory?
The 2010 All Whites World Cup campaign is right up there. Undefeated. Amazing!
3) Do you support any other football teams around the world?
My old man is a Manchester United supporter so I always followed them as a kid. Can’t say I’m that interested in them anymore though.
4) Who is your favourite A-League player?
Paul Ifill. No competition. Great player and equally great bloke. Respected by most players and fans throughout the league.
5) Tell us about the Christchurch Phoenix Supporters Group?
The Wellington Phoenix rolled out a group of Supporters clubs last season in cities around NZ, Aussie and the World. They never really took off as each required a fair bit of organisation and time to set up. I decided to take over the organisational role of the Christchurch group early last year and got the group up and running. We’re a group made up of people of all ages and occupations that share the love of football and the Phoenix. It’s great to meet up with all the guys each week, have a beer, a chat and watch the Nix at our regular Bar Spectators. We’re a friendly bunch that everyone and anyone is welcomed to join.
6) Do you think the A-League should be considering another NZ based team?
Honestly, no. Auckland isn’t a footballing city as attendances at the Kingz, Knights and All Whites’ matches have shown. Christchurch would be the only other viable option and while we’ve had pretty good turn ups for previous Phoenix matches I have my reservations as to whether the the support would stay for the long run. I’m Phoenix ’til I die anyway.
7) If you could make one change to the A-League, what would it be?
The off season is killer. If anything could be done to shorten that or make it less painful then I’m all for it.
8) Where do you think the Phoenix will finish this season?
Things are really starting to fall into place now for the Nix. I’m thinking definitely playoffs and if we get on a good roll maybe 5th pushing 4th.
9) Do you ever see football breaking the stronghold that rugby holds over NZ sports coverage?
It will take time but I reckon we’ll get there one day. Football is now the most played sport amongst kids in NZ so hopefully the new generation catch the fever and the demand for football on NZ screens grows. Sky Sport do love their Rugby though…
You can check out the Christchurch Phoenix Supporters Group Facebook page here.
Thanks for your time Liam.
