Does not matter what system was used to determine the sides that qualified for the 2027 National League, with only two automatic spots available for South Island clubs other were not going to make the cut.
Going forward for any South Island clubs that are looking to gain promotion to the National League then we need the strongest standard for the Southern League and doubt very much if the proposed north / south split is the right path and this seems to be a bigger issue.
Unsure how the proposal can fit inside the Whole of Football Plan - club licensing, player and coaching development, academies, player pathways etc, that NZ Football and the Federations have been 'selling' in recent seasons.
If clubs are not seeking a National League pathway, then do not deny those that do.
I know costs are an issue but what of the true costs if recent gains 'on and off' the field are not maintained and lifted.
Hopefully the new edition of the National League lasts longer than some of the many early editions and does not get altered around and or expanded quickly - history shows that if this happens then ultimately, it brings about the demise of league. Yet another reason to ensure the Southern League format matches both the Northern and Central League.
Going forward for any South Island clubs that are looking to gain promotion to the National League then we need the strongest standard for the Southern League and doubt very much if the proposed north / south split is the right path and this seems to be a bigger issue.
Unsure how the proposal can fit inside the Whole of Football Plan - club licensing, player and coaching development, academies, player pathways etc, that NZ Football and the Federations have been 'selling' in recent seasons.
If clubs are not seeking a National League pathway, then do not deny those that do.
I know costs are an issue but what of the true costs if recent gains 'on and off' the field are not maintained and lifted.
Hopefully the new edition of the National League lasts longer than some of the many early editions and does not get altered around and or expanded quickly - history shows that if this happens then ultimately, it brings about the demise of league. Yet another reason to ensure the Southern League format matches both the Northern and Central League.