Optus Premier League set to start in March 2022

A high-level representative football league - labelled the Optus Premier League - will bring together the best six football teams in each age division from Forster in the south, north to Lismore and west to Tamworth.

Competition director Mick Day said it has not been created to take away from the existing Premier League competitions in each of the respective zones.

He hopes it will have the opposite effect over time as junior players develop.

"We need to evolve our football league here and in the zones and this will give players something to aspire to," he said.

The high-performance format will cover from under-10 to under-18 boys and girls divisions while an open women's division will also be included.

"There's so much untapped talent here who can't commit to the current National Premier League-type programs, perhaps because of the time and funding required to go to Newcastle," Mr Day said.

"We're not going to flood our competition. It's not going to have 10 or 15 teams in each age division ... it's going to be the best six. It's really going to be the best of the best. Five zones, one champion."

"Some clubs are so dominant in their junior divisions and are winning games 15-0 while some haven't lost a match this year. They need to be pushed and need to play against others from the neighbouring zones who are the same or at a higher level."

The junior (under-10 to under-15) age divisions will play every second Sunday while the seniors (under-16s and above) will play every third Sunday.

"That allows easier planning for clubs who have to travel. Port Macquarie is the more central location from the south, the north and from the ones who come over, but at least then they can plan the dates and game times are set," Mr Day said.

Most importantly, all players will still be able to continue to play for their club side on Friday night or Saturday which should boost club numbers and lift the level of football in each area.

"The players who want to play a high-level, high-performance premier league will still be able to do that, but they'll still be able to represent their club every weekend too," Mr Day said.

"This isn't meant to challenge the Coastal Premier League or anything like that. Over time this will enhance the CPL because the players coming through will be playing at a higher level as they develop."

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