New Wanderer from Japan?
The Western Sydney Wanderers have been linked with signing Japanese international footballer Naohiro Takahara. Takahara, a former teammate with Wanderers marquee player Shinji Ono at Shimizu S-Pulse, was released from his Japanese club contract earlier this month. He's believed to be interested in a move to the A-League and has also attracted interest from Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar. The 33-year-old played for Japan at the 2006 World Cup and scored against Australia in the 2007 Asian Cup quarter-final clash.
Technical director
Hills Brumbies FC has appointed Steve Arbelo as the club's new technical director. Arbelo has top-level coaching experience with former NSW Premier League club Parramatta FC and will step into the role in February 2013. He will oversee the club's future junior coaching and staff development.
Kolts registration days
Kellyville Kolts Soccer Club will hold two registration days for the Granville District Football competition at Kellyville's Bernie Mullane Sports Complex on January 26 and February 2, 9am-1pm. Players will need passport-sized photos and proof of age identification.
■ Details: kellyvillesoccer.org.au.
Football clinics
Western Sydney Wanderers will hold two holiday football clinics this month in Blacktown and St Marys.
The three-day clinics are for juniors aged 4-15 with experienced coaches offering high-quality technical sessions with players also gettinge the chance to meet the Wanderers first-team squad. Clinics run 9am-noon daily at $149 for beginner/intermediate courses and $199 for advanced sessions. Each player a free football from the ball amnesty van visit and a complimentary Wanderers clinic jersey.
■ Details: footballaustralia.com.au/wswanderersfc/holidayclinics.