Part of a world game

JULIUS ROSS | May 15, 2012 12.01am

IT is typical for multi-million dollar football competitions across Europe to boast an array of international players from around the globe.

But even Tasmania's comparatively modest southern Premier League is transforming into an increasingly diverse and cosmopolitan competition. The league already features a handful of players who hail from countries ranging from Brazil to Slovenia.

Its newest edition is Clarence United's Colombian keeper Carlos Ortiz, who made his debut on Saturday night against New Town Eagles.

The 26-year-old followed in the footsteps of his 24-year-old teammate, Scotsman Aaron Cairns, who moved to Tasmania to pursue a job and lifestyle change Down Under and signed for Clarence in the off-season.

The pair played together at Graceland University in the American college system for four years.

They have joined the more established Scottish player Grant Malcolm at the Eastern Shore club.

English midfielder Daniel Chadderton arrived from Britain a fortnight ago to join Hobart Zebras, where Welshman Paul Palmer also plays.

Chadderton was immediately thrown into the thick of the action against South Hobart two weeks ago, but Zebras' eagerness to field the new recruit backfired.

It was discovered that Chadderton was suffering from deep-vein thrombosis as a result of his long-haul flight to Australia. He was removed from play at half time during his first game and has been sidelined ever since.

Another Englishman, Harry Taylor, recently signed for Olympia Warriors and he has established himself as a regular in the team's back line.

South Hobart has the most diverse squad, with the champion club boasting Brazilian Mizael Linhares Caires, Slovenian Uros Merkuzic and Frenchman Loic Feral.

While most clubs rely on local talent, the addition of players from different footballing cultures can often inject a new and unique dimension to a team's playing structure, adding intrigue and a bit of flair to the league

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/05/15/328411_soccer.html