By YESSAR DAOU
DANDENONG Wolves believe the restructure of the Football Federation Victoria leagues will bridge the gap between clubs in the lower leagues.
The FFV announced last Wednesday that it would abolish the metro and provisional leagues and divide the competitors into State League 4 and State League 5. These leagues will then be divided geographically into north, south, east and west.
FFV believes the changes will increase competition and Dandenong Wolves Soccer Club president Jengiz Yakup echoes these thoughts.
“[The changes are] a positive. There are more teams in the league, which means a longer season,” he said.
Speaking about next year, Yakup was pleased with the exposure lower-league clubs like Dandenong will gain from the reformat.
“There are better known teams in the league, and for newer clubs like ourselves it helps us attract better players.”
Dandenong Wolves have been in existence since 2010, and last season played in Metro League South East, the lowest level of competition in Victorian soccer.
With the structural changes, Dandenong will play sides such as Noble Park, Brighton and Lyndale who have all had experience in State League 2 and State League 3.
Furthermore, Yakup was delighted with the economic benefits that a 14-team competition will bring.
“You get more home games, which means more revenue.” In previous seasons, there would be 10 to 12 clubs in each league, but some folded at the last minute, leaving a unevenness in the fixture, with some sides having extra byes or playing others more than twice.
For full information on the structural changes, and leagues for next year, go to footballfedvic.com.au.
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