Not only do Adelaide United play Uzbek team, Bunyodkor, in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight, but Australia’s emerging football presence is being noticed elsewhere.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, is in London to speak at an invitation-only leaders in football conference hosted by The FA.

Buckley is showcased on the same podium as Lord Triesman, Chairman of The FA and a Government Minister; the President of the AFC, Mohamed Bin Hammam; Richard Scudamore, CEO of the English Premier League; and Dr Irvin Khoza, Chairman of the South African Football League.

Speaking from London, Buckley said: “It’s indicative of the growing reputation of the Hyundai A-League and football that Australia has been asked to participate in such a prestigious conference.

“It’s a great opportunity to tell a very large audience just how far football in Australia has come.”

Buckley will talk about the challenges faced in developing a professional football league.

“We have a fairly unique set of circumstances in Australia with four football codes that are all strongly supported and enjoyed by Australian sports fans.

“We compete for participants, spectators, sponsors, volunteers, media and talented, elite players who can go on to represent their country.

“In this regard, football is truly the global game with structured international pathways and competition for both men and women, and we now have domestic league competitions which support that pathway,” Buckley said.

The Hyundai A-League attracted its 4 millionth spectator in only its fourth season last weekend, while the National Youth League started last month and the new Westfield W-League is due to kick-off later in October.

Half-a-world away where Australia’s football future lies – in the AFC – three of Australia’s nine national football teams are doing the business on the football pitch also.

The Matildas are participating in an ASEAN Championship in Ho Chi Minh City against Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore, while the Young Socceroos (U19) are in Bangkok meeting China, Thailand and Korea in another ASEAN Championship.

Meanwhile, the Joeys (U16) are in the final round of Asian qualifiers for next year’s U17 FIFA World Cup, taking part in Tashkent and meeting the likes of Saudi Arabia, China and Turkmenistan before – hopefully – moving into the knockout phase.

Not to be outdone, the Socceroos have set up camp in Brisbane today to get into the groove for their crucial 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian group qualifier against Qatar next Wednesday.

“There is no doubt that being part of the AFC is good for Australian football as well as Australia,” said Buckley.

“Not only does it give Australian fans a feast of football to enjoy, but there is a broader dimension also.

“Football gives Australia another means by which to engage with Asia, as well as the rest of the world.”