As you may be aware New Zealand Football has called for Expressions of Interest for those clubs/entities who are interested in applying for a two year National League Football Licence for 2016/17 and 2017/18.
Loaded WaiBOP United is one of eight entities currently competing in the ASB Premiership and will be required to make a decision on its position over the next couple of weeks concerning whether it wants to continue in the new competition structure.
WaiBOP Football Federation has been managing Loaded WaiBOP United and, while the current competition structure is not based upon a representative model, WaiBOP Football’s main objective in supporting WaiBOP United has been to maintain a presence in the league. This is to ensure there is an adequate pathway for our local players and coaches, encouraging them to stay in the region.
The cost to maintain the team in the competition is high and requires considerable resource to operate. This is currently diverting Federation staff away from delivering the core services expected.
In recent weeks the Federation has held a meeting with top level, senior clubs within the region and welcomed interest from local clubs seeking independent entry into the ASB Premiership. The aim is to ensure the region retains a locally based team and pathway in a possibly more sustainable manner.
Hamilton Wanderers Football Club has submitted a formal application in response to this opportunity, which WaiBOP Football has supported.
The Federation’s view is that only one team from our region can really be supported due to the player, coaching base and financial pressures. As such the WaiBOP United Board will be meeting in early December to formalise its position.
This decision will not interfere with this year’s competition. We are expecting Loaded WaiBOP United will perform well for the rest of the season.
For more information please contact:
Mark Christie, CEO, WaiBOP Football & WaiBOP United
