The idea floated last week on au.fourfourtwo.com outlined an annual tournament in one location such as Canberra's AIS over around three to five days involving the champion team(s) from the biggest Australian state leagues.

The aim is to bring together the best second tier players in one location so as to give A-League coaches a chance to see the nation's best at the one time in a high level of competition.

What's more, with Asia's 3+1 rule likely to drain even more talent from the A-League, it's vital that we unearth as many of our best local talents as possible.

Such a tournament would also serve as a boost to the state league clubs with a Super Cup trophy and tag of best Australian state league club to play for.  

The idea was supported by leading NSW premier league coach and former Socceroo Aytek Genc who described the idea as "fantastic".

Tony Taormina, president of South Australian state league club the MetroStars, told au.fourfourtwo.com that such a tournament would also be supported by his club.

"I see a couple of advantages to such a tournament. It's showcasing at the next tier the best players outside the A-League in one spot. So coaches don't have to rely on scouts, agents or hearsay. Some have had a sniff at the A-League, some haven't.

"And it gives our players and club a bit of prestige and a pathway. That's what we're about, promoting our senior team to our juniors.

"I don't have a problem with it. I'd support it. No question about that. But with everything at our level, it comes down to dollars and cents."

The MetroStars, last year's SA grand final runners up, are also celebrating former player Fabian Barbiero's elevation to the Socceroo squad.

"He is the nicest guy you'd get. He has a terrific attitude and he regularly comes back to the club to see how we're going," said Taormina.

Barbiero played for three seasons with the club before joining the Reds in 2007. Other former MetroStars players include Adriano Pellegrino and Jason Spagnuolo.

"It's part of our charter we feel is to be a feeder club to the A-League. Primarily for Adelaide United but also to other A-League club and international clubs. For one of our former player to be called up for the Socceroos is enormous for us," he added.

*The MetroStars are launching their 2009 season this Saturday