Mainland Premier League (Part 1)

A big advantage for University is if they win promotion they will be able to offer scholarships to attract players.

No not over zealous, however yes I do support Uni as know players in the squad. I know how hard they have worked both on and off the field, apologies if anything has offended you, however all this rubbish going on off the field is not deserved by the players! Talk of cheating and the other crap I have had to listen to by opposition players and supporters in the last 2 games is totally uncalled for and unwarranted!

Yes I maybe a bit bias, however I do believe that there is a load of talent that given the opportunity in MPL to compete would be more than capable.. IMO

Haha no probs, ill bring the diesel's.. Should make for an even better watch from the sidelines!

Sorry to continue this musical transfer theme but Will Smith has just transferred to FC2011.

Would have thought he would have gone to Coastal. Can you guess why?

Clapham about to head offshore. You heard it here first.

Hear some FC players from last year about to turn out for them at training this week.

I saw Keith playing for the Div 1 team as they were warming up and he still looks sharp as ever.  He'll be right. 

No-one got my joke about Will Smith playing for Coastal....  Sigh....

Men in Black.

Heard a Masters 3 game disintegrated into farce on Saturday - Waimak players called for the game to be called off due to the behaviour of a bunch of Irish lads playing for CashTech (make up your mind) who obviously weren't told this was SOCIAL, MASTERS grade.

Uni getting some points back they will start Saturday on 9 Points.

Not Keith that I am aware of.

A very good reliable source ;-) Press announcement tomorrow. Game on for the Uni boys now.

Sweet.  Seems fair to me.  Lucky for them all the other teams keep beating each other and they're all only on 13 points after 8 games.

Not really Mainland news but interesting:

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

WELLINGTON PHOENIX AND ASIA PACIFIC FOOTBALL ACADEMY TEAM UP

The Wellington Phoenix and Asia Pacific Football Academy (APFA) have joined forces to develop the next generation of football talent in New Zealand.

Based in Christchurch, the APFA is an intensive, live-in programme aimed at youth between 13 and 17 that trains aspiring footballers to the highest technical standard.

Under the joint agreement the Phoenix will look to channel identified young footballers between 13 and 17 to the APFA where they will be trained under a programme specifically designed by Phoenix and APFA coaches.

Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said the partnership was crucial to the on-going development of the Club.

“The directives from the owners of the Club have been clear – we need to continue to invest and develop the next generation of football players if this Club is going to challenge in the A-League,” Dome said.

“This initiative is the next part of that process. If the Wellington-based Football School of Excellence based around Team Wellington is at the top of the academy structure, then this partnership with APFA is the next level down.

“The APFA meets all our criteria for being able to develop top quality football players with the best technical skills, while also being able to meet their educational and development needs outside football.

“We are extremely pleased that we have concluded this initial agreement and are looking to expand our academy structure to as many centres as make sense in the future”.  

APFA Managing Director Andy Smith said his Academy was thrilled to have the association with the Phoenix.

"We are excited to have agreed this partnership with the Wellington Phoenix,” Smith said.

“APFA has been working successfully with young New Zealand players for a number of years and often many career pathways in football led overseas.

“This initiative now offers talented young domestic players a significant new onshore opportunity for them to work towards their dream of playing professional football."

RUSSELL GRAY

MEDIA MANAGER

Does anyone else get the feeling different entities are looking to own part of a pathway?

a) APFA - Football School of Excellence/TW - Phoenix; b) FTC/NTC/ASB/National teams

Off Mainland Website:https://www.mainlandfootball.co.nz/index.php?id=44&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=1147&tx_ttnews[backPid]=1&cHash=e569b160bb

Now it is game on!!!!

And they go top of the table if they get 15 points.  Game over even. 

Oh right, 15 points awarded back of the 28 deducted.  I thought it read they would go to 15.

I love the bit they say they will conduct a review to ensure there regulations are in alignment with NZF regulations. surely that should have happened when they drafted them in the first place? $800,000 payroll ........................................?

I must say.. Nelson College have been handed probably the easiest draw so far in the Chatham Cup. Three rounds in and they still won't go up against a Mainland side.

Positive news for uni. How great would it be if they won the league from this. I wouldnt bet against it.

The draw is (to be played 15/16 June):

Southern Region
Nelson College v Waimak United 
Cashmere Technical v Ferrymead Bays 

Caversham v Dunedin Technical 
Roslyn Wakari v Northern  

So Tech and Bays meet in the league this weekend and again the following week in the Cup.

I thought Nelson College (and Richmond who they beat at the weekend) are both Mainland sides as are all teams in the top of the south? Or did you mean MPL team Luis? In which case neither has Waimak who have yet to play a game in this years competition. Would be funny as a fit if they travelled to Nelson, won then got drawn to go to Dunners in the next round. Bet that's not in their budget.

I think you will find Waimak played Selwyn in Round 1. It will be a tough game for Waimak up there.

To be Fair though - We (Selwyn) were hardly a match for Waimak.  We've played them 4 times now and we still haven't learnt to stop giving them the ball.

Will be interesting to see how Waimak goes playing Saturday, then flying up to Nelson for the Sunday fixture.

I assume Nelson College have to double up as well though? Would be great to see College progress.

as the last nelson team standing - I'm in accordance with you Luis.  They stand a chance if they are a bit less frenetic....