From Belmore to Belgium : Rodrigo Palomino, Soccer Star

Australian Football Players catches up with our old friend Rodrigo Palomino in a candid interview about how he was Discovered. Rodrigo Palomino is Chilean born, played his football in Granville, NSW and was spotted by a scout one Saturday in 1994 playing for his team. Before he knew it he had airfares waiting for him at the airport. A ten day trial had been arrange by Belgium Club KSV Waregem. Having arrived late on the Thursday night. Friday meant a training run with the team even though he hadn't recovered from jetlag. The following day, he played his first game against the top side fielding Belgium National players. Playing his best Rodrigo scores a goal, runs rings around the opposition and proves he has the match fitness to compete at the highest level. The contract is signed. Quite the fairy tale. Rodrigo a friend of ours agrees to this candid interview where we try to shed some light on the subject of fairy tales and success. 

Q: Rodrigo at 21 when you were offered the trial, what where your initial thoughts? I thought that the scout was joking and didn't really take him seriously.

 Q: How did you adjust to your new surroundings? Country, Language, Team mates? It was very difficult in the begining.I just focused on performing on the field and then everything fell into place.

 Q: You mentioned the speed at which the game was played when you arrived. Do you think much has changed in football? Yes,the game is just getting faster every year.

 Q: In an article we researched, your named as, "The Conquerer" was this due to your scoring prowess? Yes.

 Rodrigo Palomino pictured here in the green and white. Q: You played for numerous clubs abroad. Which was the best club in terms of your success? Royal Francs Borain was my most successful club.I spent 4yrs there and leading the goal scoring department every year.

 Q: What are your thoughts about Football in Australia? Specifically Youth Development? Something has to be done about our youth.Youth development is non existant in Australia.Soccer Australia has to really start thinking about this section in our game if we want to produce world players and not players that go to England and hang around for a few years.We need players to be developed and take this country to world cups on a regular basis not every 30yrs.

 Q: If you could have your time again, would you change anything about your football career? No, because although it is just a sport, it teaches you certain lessons on life and how the other part of the world circulates.

 Q: Do you think fitness is becoming more important at the highest level of football? Yes. It's simple - no fitness means you wont get anywhere because of the speed the game is travelling these days.

 Q: What advise would you give to aspiring football players? Never give up! And there is always some one watching.

 Q: What do you suggest young players do, to Be Seen, Be Discovered? Play fair and simple and most of all respect your coach.

 Q: You know Australian Football Players is Australia's first website devoted to promoting young, talented football players to clubs in Australia and abroad. What are your thoughts on what we do? I think it is a great idea and gives the ordinary player with special gifts a chance to be seen and promoted.Whether you are playing at Telstra Stadium or Garside Park,Granville this site will give you the chance to be discovered.

 Rodrigo Palomino's CV:

 1993 Granville (NSW 1st Division)

 1994 Belmore Hercules (NSW 1st Division)

 1995 KSV Waregem (Belgium)

 1996 RC Tournai (Belgium)

 1998/90 Royal Racing Club Touraisien (Belgium)

 2000/04 Francs Borains (Belgium)

 Rodrigo thank you for your time, we hope our readers find this article helpful and informative. We heard you are coaching junior football and your son Coby is quite the rising star. We wish you and Coby every success.