DIVISION ONE SEES FIVE TEAMS FACE OFF

21 March 2015

Shepparton News - Matthew Galea

The inaugural Football Federation Victoria Goulburn North East division one men’s competition will consist of five teams.

FFV received confirmation from Shepparton, Shepparton South, Shepparton United, Tatura and Cobram that they would be fielding a division one men’s team, but a longer deadline was given to Kyabram Phoenix and Numurkah Knights to determine their division one fates.

Both clubs were unable to procure the required numbers to run a division one and division two team.

As a result, their senior men’s representation will be in the division two competitions.

Kyabram president Simon Fiske said the re-emergence of Shepparton as a division one side had seen three of last year’s seniors leave, with others departing to other clubs in the league.

‘‘None of the guys felt like they had to come back, so we’ve seen three go to Shepparton, one to South and two or three to Tatura, so it all takes its toll,’’ Fiske said.

‘‘We have got a few guys in, but a lot of them are visa players or backpackers who just want a kick and want a game, but we’ve got too many, so we can’t play them all in division one.’’

Fiske added his Phoenix also did not have the numbers for open women or under-17 boys, prompting an entire club rebuild.

‘‘I’ve just got to try and reset the club and spend a year getting it right,’’ Fiske said.

‘‘FFV has already said they would help out however they could and I want a community meeting in Ky for all those interested in the sport and Karen Hocking from SJSA (Shepparton Junior Soccer Association) and Pat Kielty from the (Goulburn Valley) Suns said they would support me, too.

‘‘The council is spending $1.2 million on the ground as well, so we need to make this work otherwise it’s a waste of money.’’