MEDIA RELEASE
AMATEUR AND JUNIOR SOCCER UNITY
The need to expand
junior soccer in South Australia was seen to be limited by the lack of
facilities available to it. Because of this, negotiations began between the
three largest independent soccer associations in South Australia, the Elizabeth
and Districts Junior Soccer Association, Southern Districts Junior Soccer
Association and the South Australian Amateur Soccer League.
The three
associations have a membership of over13000 for 2008 and share similar
principles and concerns relating to junior and senior soccer development in our
state, believed it was time to join ranks to provide realistic and sustainable
solutions for these concerns, and, are in advanced discussions with two other
like minded associations which will if successful see membership climb to
20,000 participants.
From these
negotiations the Elizabeth and Districts Junior Soccer Association and Southern
Districts Junior Soccer Association have announced that they have become part
of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League “as its junior division”
through this union of the three associations the South Australian Amateur
Soccer League has become the largest single association administering senior
and junior football in this state.
Mr John Allen,
general secretary of the Elizabeth and Districts Junior Soccer Association
stated “the move has come about as these associations have a synergy in
providing top class competitions at a low cost to the participants”.
Mr Bill Bailey,
president SAASL also announced the intention of the SAASL to further promote
the junior leagues in the 2009 season with its senior clubs. This comes about
as a result of many requests from parents to provide a low cost competition for
their children to play in.
Mr John Bauman,
acting chairman of Elizabeth and Districts Junior Soccer Association stated” it
is the ethos of Elizabeth and Districts Junior Soccer Association to provide
every child the opportunity to engage and learn the game of soccer. That it
should not be limited to elite players or only those who can afford to pay the
high fees charged by many clubs outside our associations”.
It is anticipated
that there will be an average cost to parents of about $130 per year, which we
believe will be very attractive to parents.
In conjunction
with the junior leagues the SAASL is in discussions with organisations to
provide specialist clinics on a regular basis to young players, utilising some
of the best players and coaches in the state and including overseas coaches.
Elizabeth and
Districts already operates a coaching academy at Kalara Reserve Daveron Park,
developing coaches and players, which will be further bolstered by the union
between the associations. The academy will be available to all 168 clubs and
schools who are part of the SAASL and junior divisions to further assist in and
advance their development programs of the game.
Mr Bailey said
that we want to provide a development plan for young players so those who have
the ability can move on to the Federation clubs and institutes and others can
enjoy playing the world game at a low cost but still be part of a
professionally managed competition.
Mr Allen reminded
us that some of South Australia’s best players began their careers playing in the
Elizabeth and Districts Junior Soccer Association. For example Scott Tunbridge,
Joe Mullen and Angelo Costanzo are just some of these ex Elizabeth and
Districts players.
Mr Bailey and Mr
Allen both welcomed the unification and are working along with their executives
in planning what will be an even bigger season in 2009.