Football Federation SA is pleased to announce a 3 Year Partnership with the City of Whyalla, City of Mount Gambier and Roxby Council that will see each of the regional centres host a National Premier League fixture for points on Saturday May 17, 2014.

National Premier League Clubs have embraced the opportunity to forge closer links with our Football partners in regional South Australia. Game details are as follow;

Adelaide Blue Eagles v Raiders
Saturday May 17, 3pm- Whyalla

Para Hills Knights v Cumberland United
Saturday May 17, 3pm - Mount Gambier

West Torrens Birkalla v Comets
Saturday May 17, 7.30pm - Roxby Downs

Football Federation SA CEO Michael Carter said that expanding Football (Soccer) in regional South Australia was an important next step for the code.

“Taking the National Premier League competition to regional South Australia provides a perfect platform to expand participation and lift the profile of Football in the regions. Whyalla, Mount Gambier and Roxby Councils have embraced the Regional Round concept and their commitment is an endorsement of the code.

Football Federation SA is committed to supporting South Australian Regional Centres”.

The 3 year partnership worth $180,000 will ensure that transport and accommodation for players, club officials and referees are covered for each of the 3 years. Funding will also support each club in conducting participation clinics in each regional centre leading up to the Regional Round.

Mayor Jim Pollock said that for Whyalla to again host a SA Premier League football match was a tremendous fillip for the city and Eyre Peninsula region.

“Soccer has had a long and successful tradition in our area and matches like this can only enhance the sport for both players and spectators,” Mayor Pollock said.

“Perhaps such visits will see some young, potential Socceroo develop – like Whyalla boy Carl Veart who came through local soccer clinics”.

Roxby Council Administrator Bill Boehm said “Roxby Council is pleased to be involved in bringing high quality soccer to Roxby Downs in partnership with the FFSA.

“We are a remote but inclusive community with a thriving diverse multicultural population aspiring to be a World-Class Community. Soccer is the World Game and is inclusive by nature. Whilst soccer is in its infancy locally we have many aspiring juniors who play soccer as well as other sports and the desire to see all junior sport flourish is high on our agenda. We look forward to hosting FFSA in our community. Locally this will be an experience not to be missed.”

City of Mount Gambier Mayor, Steve Perryman stated that he was proud to support the initiative.

“The City of Mount Gambier is proud to support the FFSA Regional Round. Collaboration between Council, FFSA, the Western Border Soccer Association and our local clubs will provide a solid platform to develop the capacity of our local clubs and players, raise the competition standard and illustrate a clear pathway to a Premier League for our junior players.

“Council looks forward to fostering these relationships in the interest of junior sport development”.