Former FMNC Premier League sides Taree Wildcats, Tuncurry-Forster, Wallis Lake, Wauchope and Camden Haven will be joined by Wingham, the zone's Southern League champions and Port United from the Northern League. Port United will also field two teams in the Coastal Premier League (CPL), a nine team two grade competition involving FMNC and North Coast Football clubs.

There are no clubs from the southern section of FMNC involved in the Coastal Premier League. Port United, Port Saints, Kempsey Saints and Macleay Valley will all be playing in the CPL. This will also kick off on March 28.

Initially the Football Mid North Coast board had hoped up to 10 clubs would contest the Zone Premier League (ZPL). However, chairman Mike Parsons assured the board isn't disappointed to only get seven.

"It's early days yet and it always takes time to adjust to change,'' Mr Parsons said.

"Seven teams is a healthy competition. We can build on that.''

Mr Parsons added that wherever possible the zone premier league and northern or southern league club sides would play at the same venue.

RELATED:

Team teams expected for zone premier league

"Draws are always difficult things. But we're looking to get club teams in different competitions playing together to get bigger crowds and assist with canteen and bar takings,'' he said.

The board had hoped to start an under 20 competition this season. However, this has been dashed as only four clubs nominated.

Under the plan teams would be able to field up to five players aged over 20.

Mr Parsons concedes he thought this would be attractive for clubs.

"But the board members don't register to play football. We're there to administer the game and it's up to the clubs and the players to decide what grades they're involved with,'' he added.

Mr Parsons said the numbers throughout the zone in the under six to 13 age divisions continue to flourish.

"There's enormous interest there,'' he said.

"We'll have another busy season.''