Football Wagga has forced three teams that had nominated for the women’s reserve grade competition to play in first grade, in a bid to create a viable Leonard Cup competition.
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“If it was to go ahead with the numbers nominated for first grade it would have left a very small competition,” Football Wagga spokesman Mark Stephens said.
“We had five nominations for first grade.”
Leeton United, Cootamundra and Young have been bumped up to join Henwood Park, Junee, Tolland, South Wagga and Wagga United, forging an eight-team competition.
Cootamundra coach Mick Simons has been dealing with the fall-out since he heard the news on March 19.
“We were struggling with numbers beforehand, and when the girls found out we had players revolt,” he said.
“A few jumped ship. We have people very young and very old who were concerned for their welfare. To the girl’s credit the remaining players have found friends who are willing to help.”
Strikers may not be able to field a full team this week as they play Henwood Park at home on Sunday, but Simons is confident they’ll have numbers from round two-on.
The sweetener is Football Wagga’s proposed a six-team finals series or Leonard Plate system similar to the Pascoe Plate.
“That’s the positive here, it gives the teams forced to play in first grade something to play for,” Simons said.
