AIS to play in Victorian Premier League
Football Federation Victoria today announced an initiative aimed at changing the structure of the 2007 and 2008 Victorian Premier League. In the first step of the sport’s overhaul in Victoria, the 2007 season will for the first time feature a team from the Australian Institute of Sport.
The 2007 Premier League will comprise 16 teams and give some of the nation-s most talented youngsters the opportunity to play sustained competitive football on a weekly basis.
Football Federation Victoria Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata said the inclusion of the AIS will add another exciting dimension to the VPL next season.
“This move will help address the lack of high quality playing opportunities for our elite youngsters in Australia. We are delighted the AIS sees our competition as one in which they can further develop the talents of our most promising footballers.
“We look forward to seeing the next generation of Socceroos participate on a weekly basis in our competition next season,” he said.
Football Federation Australia Head of High Performance John Boultbee welcomed the initiative.
“The introduction of the AIS team in the Victorian Premier League is a positive step forward for the sport. We acknowledge the foresight shown by FFV in giving our most talented young athletes a chance to play in a competitive environment in one of the best leagues in Australia,” he said.
Mr. Pignata said the addition of the AIS means the Victorian Premier League will be expanded to 16 teams in 2007.
“In order to ensure an equal number of teams were competing in 2007, the Board made the decision to increase the number of teams to 16, rather than have a bye introduced into the fixture.
“As a result, only one team was relegated from the 2006 Premier League, Frankston Pines, who finished on the bottom of the ladder.
The second phase of the new strategy will see all positions spilt at the end of the 2007 Premier League season. All clubs in Victoria will be invited to apply for a license to participate in the 2008 Victorian Premier League. Further details of the second phase will be released on Monday.