The South Australian Junior Soccer Association State Championships were once again a great success with 465 boys and girls participating in the 3-day carnival held at Adelaide Shores. 

Representative teams from Adelaide Hills, Broken Hill, Noarlunga and Districts, North West, Pt Pirie, Riverland, Sunraysia, Western Border and Whyalla Junior Soccer Associations competed in fine conditions. The event was an excellent example of the healthy state Football is in throughout the state and nationally. 

“The three day event was a great success and attracted local, regional and interstate players and parents.  A number of boys and girls were identified for development programs by FFSA Technical Director Airton Andrioli and Game Development Manager John Mundy, Cristiano Dos Santos and Tiarn Powell. The event also provided an ideal opportunity to support and educate young referees.” Football Federation SA (FFSA) Chief Executive Officer Michael Carter said. 

Adelaide Shores again proved to be an ideal location for the State Championships with 7 pitches, on site accommodation for regional travellers and convenience for local associations. 

A noticeable exclusion from the event, however was the Elizabeth & Districts Junior Soccer Association (EDJSA). The EDJSA declined an invitation from Football Federation SA to compete in the tournament who made application to the SAJSA for an exemption that would allow a non-affiliated body to compete given the registration of players to the FFSA. 

“A genuine approach was made to the executive of the EDJSA to meet and compete in the championships, however the offer was declined on both fronts which is unfortunate. It would be great to see players, coaches and referees afforded the same opportunities to compete in state based events and receive formal accreditation.

"We will begin exploring opportunities that will provide future opportunities despite the association’s lack of appetite to discuss a future partnership.” stated Michael Carter. 

Junior affiliation to the national and state body costs between $24 and $32 per player and includes insurance cover. Based on a twenty-week season that equates to between $1.20 to $1.60 per player, per week based on what level of insurance the association chooses to take up.