Great Southern Soccer Association clubs agree to July kick-off and 10-week season

The Great Southern Soccer Association will kick off a 10-week season on July 17, with a finals format to be determined as the senior season progresses.

The GSSA went to the clubs for their input on a season and held a meeting last Tuesday before sending a plan out to delegates on Friday.

The men’s premier and reserves competition will be played in its usual Saturday timeslot, while all women’s fixtures will remain on Friday nights.

The men’s social/vets competition will be played on Tuesday nights as it has been in the past few seasons.

The GSSA was exploring reducing player numbers to eight a side but has decided to remain with the standard 11-a-side format.

GSSA president Marcus McPharlin said a finals format would be worked out throughout the season, with the grand final possibly being played on Friday, September 25.

“It’s great that we have a return date and all players know now what we are doing,” McPharlin said.

“It’s a different year and going to be a different season. We have had nothing like this before.”

McPharlin said responsibility would be put back on clubs this season to give back to the game.

“Clubs will be supplying linesman to help out, reduce fees and build linesman numbers for next season,” he said.

Teams resumed training last week under strict guidelines.

GSSA has dropped playing fees for this season.