FOOTBALL Mid North Coast will work towards calling for nominations for the Coastal Premier League in June or July.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As previously announced, FMNC and North Coast Football propose to start a 10 club coastal competition next year, with five clubs from each zone. Nine clubs currently play in the FMNC Premier League.
FMNC chief executive Bruce Potter said up to four clubs are 'really keen' about the proposal and he added the reaction from clubs has largely been positive.
He remains confident the FMNC board will get the five applications required.
"The final decision will be up to the board,'' Mr Potter said.
"However, I think there's going to be plenty of competition for the fifth spot.''
Mr Potter understands some clubs have concerns with the proposal, mainly with the amount of travel required.
This in particular impacts on clubs in the southern section of FMNC and the northern area of Football North Coast, which stretches to Grafton.
Taree Wildcats and Tuncurry-Forster both raised concerns about travel with the Wildcats saying it's unlikely the club would nominate.
"We must remember the roads are immeasurably better now than when anything like this has been attempted in the past,'' Mr Potter said.
"And the competition would be of a considerably higher standard than what we're playing now.''
Mr Potter revealed there is also scope to use neutral grounds for fixtures involving clubs from the northern and southern-most points.
"We could perhaps play the games in Coffs Harbour or Kempsey,'' he added.
"There will only be five times a season when clubs would have to travel further than the boundaries of our current competition.''
Mr Potter said reaction to a one grade secondary premier league-style competition has been positive.
This would involve the four former premier league clubs along with teams currently playing in Football Mid North Coast's northern and southern open competitions.
Related:
"We have clubs in both (leagues) who want to play in the current premier league, but just don't have the numbers to field a reserve grade,'' he said.
"This proposed competition would be perfect for them.''
Mr Potter thinks this would suit current southern league powerhouses Wingham and Old Bar.
Both have previously played in the FMNC Premier League.
"There's no doubt this league would be really exciting and with promotion and relegation there would be interest at the top and bottom of the competition.''
Meanwhile, Taree Wildcats will play their first game in the FMNC Premier League on Saturday.
The Wildcats meet Port Saints in Port Macquarie.