WITH the likely introduction of a two-tiered league structure across all the age categories next year, the standard of football in the GRFC Junior Boys’ competitions is set to receive a tremendous boost in the foreseeable future.

PHOTO: A staggering 28 teams took part at Under 11 level in 2015. It's anticipated that the majority of these players will graduate to a two-tiered Under 12 competition in 2016 (Photo: Soccer Shots Photography, Bec Horrocks).

This year’s GRFC Boys’ competition saw 10 teams compete in the U12 division, 12 outfits in the U13 category, 16 at U15 level and nine teams took part in the U17 league.

As a result of the staggering growth in Junior Boys’ participation numbers across the region, in 2016 all of the Junior Boys’ leagues are expected to see the introduction of a second division format, pending team numbers.

This major structural change will result in the more accomplished juniors and coaches from each club facing off against the best the region has to offer in each age category. The players requiring more development, or those who prefer to play for social reasons, will still be catered for in a second (or developmental) division of that particular age group.

The preferred option is to have a maximum of 10 teams in each division, but GRFC League requirements state a minimum six teams are needed in each division to facilitate a two division structure, otherwise the age category becomes a single division format.

This year, a staggering 28 teams took part at Under 11 level, which is played in a 9-a-side format and was scheduled across the two geographical Hubs. It is anticipated that the majority of those players will graduate to the Under 12 competition in 2016, requiring the definite creation of two divisions at that level.

With 16 teams taking part in this year’s U15 league, coupled with those players not moving up to senior level just yet, next year’s U17 competition is also set to be a strong two-tiered divisional structure.

At this stage, according to official 2015 registration figures, the U13s competition and possibly the U15s competition may remain single division leagues. However, with a total of 12 current U13 teams feeding into next season’s U15 competition, that league could also be split up into two divisions.