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MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 12 March, 2008
US1
Premier Football League Kicks Off March 29
Statement made by Keith
Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, United Soccer 1
A new senior
10-team football league covering the top teams from
Known as the
US1 Premiership, the league will include the senior teams of Albany, Birkenhead
United, East Coast Bays, Glenfield Rovers, Hibiscus Coast, North Force
(Whangarei),
Following the demise
of the Northern League, our Federation undertook a thorough analysis of available
options and made the decision to create a league from local senior teams rather
than participate in a league covering a geographical region spread from
Northland to the Waikato/Bay of Plenty.
We did this in
the best interests of our youth and senior players, and our clubs.
For too long
clubs had been drawn into a financial vicious circle of raising money from
sponsors, supporters and playing members, the bulk of which is invested in
paying selected senior players, and
meeting travel and accommodation costs.
It is the view
of our Federation that we are better to invest that resource in coaching, improving
facilities and young player development.
US1
Premiership and the neighbouring Northern Regional League are at the third
level of competition, behind the A-League and the New Zealand Football
Championship.
The playing
standard of our Premiership will be on a par if not higher than the Northern
Regional League.
Our
competition will give talented youngsters in our region a taste of top flight
senior football. It will enhance their development and provide a stepping stone
to their further achievements as football players.
The winner of
our Premiership will play challenge matches against other Federation champions,
and will have a challenge match against the Queensland State League Champions.
An
under 18 team of Federation players will also be sent to
The more localised
nature of the US1 Premiership will mean more competitive and meaningful local
derbies, and allows clubs to reconnect with communities, and young players and
their families, who are the lifeblood of football in our region.
US1 is
recognised as one of the more financially sound and better run football
Federations in
The decision
to form a local league has not been without disagreement, but the vast majority
of our clubs support the board’s decision. The decision was taken many months
back and with the league’s kick off date only three Saturdays away the point
has been reached where disagreement needs to be put aside.
For details of
competing teams, fixtures and results, visit www.unitedsoccer1.org.nz
ENDS
For more
information, please contact:
Keith Johnston
United Soccer
1
Ph: 021 795
069
US1mr001