NORTHERN NSW Football will 'in no way support, endorse or sanction' Optus Premier League 2022, a competition proposed to start in March next year.
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The premier league is the brainchild of Mick Day from Port Macquarie, the competition director. He is also the East Coast Futsal Academy director.
Under the plan the premier league would involve teams from Football Mid North Coast, North Coast Football, Football Far North Coast and Northern Inland Football.
A Port Macquarie News report this week stated that the league would include competitions from under 10 to 18 boys and girls along with open women. There would be six teams in each division.
Under 10s to 15s would play every second Sunday with the seniors (16s and above) every third Sunday, according to the News. All games would be in Port Macquarie, Mr Day said, explaining that it is the central location.
However, the concept has been rejected by Northern NSW Football (NNSWF).
"While NNSWF is aware of your proposal, I would like to clarify that NNSWF and its member zones in no way support, endorse or sanction your proposed Optus Premier League 2022," Northern NSW said in a letter to Mr Day obtained by the Manning River Times.
"It should also be made clear that your proposed league is not aligned with the NNSWF's Talented Player Pathway. Nor is it linked to any other sanctioned football activity, including leagues, tournaments or events offered by football's governing bodies,'' the letter continued.
"The document you have distributed includes references to the provision of opportunities to compete against 'other State/region premier league finalists/teams,' including 'Newcastle NPL teams' as well as 'Pathways' including entry into 'Champions of Champions' and 'Women's State Cup'.
"To clarify the proposed 'Optus Premier League 2022' does not align to the existing Talented Player Pathway and is not endorsed by NNSWF. There can be no integration or links made between your proposed league and any tournament, competition, league or any other football activity sanctioned by NNSWF.
"It would be greatly appreciated that any further communications regarding your enterprise do not include NNSWF our member zones or otherwise imply partnership, integration or endorsement of football's governing bodies.''
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According to the correspondence, Northern NSW Football "as a full member federation of Football Australia (FA) is responsible for the organisation, promotion and administration of football throughout northern NSW and has jurisdiction to stage or sanction all competitions and matches."
Football Mid North Coast general manager Bruce Potter said players, clubs or officials who take part in the premier league will not be penalised. He said the zone has met with Mr Day about the concept and he says much of what is proposed 'has merit.'
"The problem is that it does not tie in with existing or proposed Football Australia programs,'' Mr Potter said.
"That's our main concern and the main concern from Football Australia and Northern NSW.''
"I wish Mick well and I have no issue with what he's doing. He is a successful businessman and runs a great futsal competition.''
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