THE competitions available to football clubs on the Mid North Coast in 2020 will be clarified at the end of this month when the deadline for applications for the Coastal Premier League (CPL) expires.
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If all goes to plan Football Mid North Coast and North Coast Football will then start to formulate a 10 club, two grade coastal competition to kick off next year. This will involve five clubs from each zone.
However, FMNC chairman Mike Parsons admitted there is no guarantee the CPL will go ahead.
"As I've said all along, this is up to the clubs to decide if they want to apply to play in the CPL,'' he said.
"This is a fantastic opportunity and I think it's a great platform for our game - but then again, I'm not out there playing every weekend.''
Mr Parsons said there have been a number of inquiries from FMNC clubs concerning the CPL. But at the time of going to press there aren't any formal applications. He understands this is also the case in the North Coast Zone.
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"But we still have until the end of this month and at the moment many of the clubs also have commitments with semi-finals, so it is a busy time. At this stage I can stay that I'm neither confident or not confident the CPL will go ahead.''
Mr Parsons said if the CPL does start Football Mid North Coast would then look to ensure there's a sustainable competition for those current premier league not involved in the CPL. This would include Taree Wildcats. The Wildcats previously indicated the club doesn't have the depth or quality of players to nominate for the CPL.
Mr Parsons said invitations would be sent out to clubs currently in the zone's southern and northern leagues to take part in a one grade premier league-style competition.
"The current premier league clubs not playing in the CPL would get preference here,'' he said.
Mr Parsons said there would be some criteria involved with entry into this competition, which he said would also be used as a pathway for clubs to eventually nominate for the CPL.
At this stage I can stay that I'm neither confident or not confident the CPL will go ahead
- Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons
Under the plan CPL clubs would be granted a three year licence to play in the competition.
However, Mr Parsons said if the CPL doesn't eventuate it'll be business as usual with the established Football Mid North Coast Premier League, although there could be some discussion on the number of clubs and grades involved. Nine clubs contested this season's competition.
Mr Parsons understands some clubs are struggling to field first and reserve grade teams and this could lead to a revamp.
However, he added the landscape for 2020 should be clearer when it is determined if the CPL goes ahead.
