Summer Football competition to make up for rain-affected season

A SUMMER Football program is being rolled out across the Far North Coast to make up for a rain-affected season that left thousands of players without games.

Persistent rain and ground closures meant many matches were abandoned, while others took months to be played on catch-up dates.

Summer Football provides a revised format of the game for clubs to run with either a competitive or social playing environment for all ability levels.

Competitions can run for a maximum of 20 weeks, commencing no earlier than October 1 and finishing by February 28.

Northern NSW Football club support and development officer Brett Hodgekiss said Summer Football was an evolved way for clubs to keep players involved in the off-season.

“Hosting a Summer Football program is a way progressive football clubs can provide more people with opportunities to play more football,” Hodgekiss said.

“It’s an excellent way for clubs to keep their current players involved while also drawing in new players from the local community. The program can also generate off-season revenue for the club.”

Lismore hosted an A-League preseason match between the Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets this month, which attracted a crowd of more than 3000 people.

It provided a boost for local clubs at junior and senior level ahead of the winter finals.

Playing in the summer months will also give clubs a chance to promote the junior girls’ and women’s competitions ahead of Australia hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.

“With Australia hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, it’s the perfect time to get your club involved and build off the ongoing exposure football has had over the last few years,” Hodgekiss said.

“Last year we had more than 30 clubs involved in Summer Football and it would be fantastic to see that number grow even more this year.”

Expressions of interest for clubs close Friday, September 19 and can be made at form.jotform.com/251937991906876