Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has announced the establishment of an annual Champion of Champions tournament in Coffs Harbour at the conclusion of the season. The tournament will initially focus on youth competitions conducted by NNSWF’s seven (7) Member Zones. Leading teams competing in the 12 to 16 Boys and 12, 14 and 16 Girls competitions will be invited to represent their respective Member Zones and compete for the coveted title of NNSWF Champion of Champions.
The Champion of Champions concept has been hugely successful in Football NSW (Southern) for many years. The continued growth of the game throughout Northern NSW and the ever-increasing popularity among girls prompted NNSWF to provide opportunities for youth teams to compete against clubs from other Member Zones.
“NNSWF is very confident that the initiative will be well received and provide further incentive for young people to play Australia’s largest club-based sport. The tournament is consistent with our strategic priority of improving the experience for all participants,” explained NNSWF CEO David Eland.
The establishment of the tournament followed twelve months of consultation with Member Zones through NNSWF’s Peak Steering Committee. Member Zones will be responsible for nominating their representatives. The section process will be reflective of the Zones’ local competition structures.
Newcastle Football, Macquarie Football and Hunter Valley Football have principally resolved to select the top placed club from each Zone at the end of the regular season from the Interdistrict A grade competitions.
NNSWF’s Board of Directors resolved to cover the costs associated with conducting the tournament, which alleviates the need to charge team entry fees. Participating clubs will be responsible for costs related to travel, accommodation and meals.
NNSWF will conduct a Talented Official Program camp (TOP) in conjunction with the event, which provides Member Zones with an opportunity to nominate two talented match officials to attend a three-day development camp.
NNSWF’s Technical Director, Michael Browne indicated that: “The opportunity to compete against leading teams from other Member Zones in an annual tournament at one of the best facilities in Northern NSW will further incentivise young players to stay involved in the game and to strive to reach their full potential.”
“The tournament will provide NNSWF’s Technical Team and the Newcastle Jets with another valuable opportunity to identify talented young players who for whatever reason have slipped through the “net”.”
The tournament will be conducted from the 8th to the 12th of October during the school holidays at the Coffs Harbour CeX International Stadium. The Boys and Girls events will be conducted independently over three days. Further information will be available in due course.
