A NEW 10-team competition looks set to improve the quality of football on the North Coast in coming years.
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At least that is what both Football Mid North Coast and North Coast Football hope after announcing their intention to create a Coastal Premier League for 2020.
The CPL will be the pinnacle competition for nearly 18,000 participants across the two zones with the grand final to alternate between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons said the concept had been approved by both boards and backed by each of the clubs on the North Coast and Mid North Coast.
It will provide a pathway for younger players to progress to a level that is only currently available to them if they move to areas such as Newcastle.
"We appear as though we won't be granted a licence into the NPL in Newcastle next year, so it is about providing an opportunity for some of our younger players," Parsons said.
Under the new competition, clubs will apply for admission in June or July with the successful applicants to be informed the week after the Premier League grand final.
Five clubs from both zones will then be given a three-year licence into the competition and compete over an 18-round home and away season.
Port United would appear a strong chance of filling one of those 10 vacancies with their strong junior base and a membership that exceeds 800 players.
It is hoped the new competition will also improve the quality of football at local zone Premier League level over the coming years.
"Some of our local Premier League clubs have struggled to field two sides and the quality of the competition has deteriorated over the years," Parsons said.
"That was the reason (for the new competition) - to improve the standard overall and also provide another tier of local football."
The revamped local Premier League competition will be a single grade.
"It won't be that all Premier League clubs have a desire to play in our Coastal Premier League," he said.
"By providing a single-team zone Premier League, it will provide local clubs with the conditions that suit them better if they have aspirational goals of building their numbers up over three years.
"There are no losers in all of this."
North Coast Football chairman Wendy Schafer echoed Parsons' sentiments.
"The formation of the Coastal Premier League is the obvious progression to strengthen football across the two zones," she said.
"I am excited for this opportunity that has been presented to our clubs, players, coaches and referees."
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