Also looking forward to the Southern League, back after almost two decades.
Who knows what the decision, to cancel the old Southern League has meant for football in the South Island?
Clearly it has not helped, judging by the number of southern players selected in national age group teams in recent years and results on the national stage - Chatham Cup, Super Club, ISPS Handa League etc.
At the time the 'cost' of the league was a one of the main reasons for many of the Christchurch club sited to exit what was a very compeititive league, with officials from clubs stating that the money 'saved' would be used for player development and ground development. Sadly in most cases this never happen, with many club happy to tread water.
Over the years I have always stated that it is up to the South Island clubs to work together to raise the bar as the North Island clubs are not worried about us and there is more than a good case to say the same about NZ Football.
Here is to the 'new' Southern Football League, hopefully it can grow into quality, cost effective competition, which will growth players and officials and hopefully bring in new sponsership leading to a full league in the not to distant future.