FOOTBALL Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons said he remained 'quietly confident' there would be sufficient interest from clubs to start the proposed Coastal Premier League next year.
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Expressions of interest will be sought from the nine Football Mid North Coast Premier League clubs in the next two weeks as well as clubs in North Coast Football.
Under the plan 10 clubs - five from FMNC and five from North Coast Football - will contest the new competition in first and reserve grades in 2020.
Mr Parsons said the two leagues have agreed on the criteria and rules for the competition and all relevant information has been sent to the clubs.
"Now it's up to them (the clubs)," Mr Parsons said.
"I can't speak for them. It's for them to decide if they wish to nominate or not."
Mr Parsons said it had been confirmed that Maclean had no interest in playing in the competition and it would appear the Coffs Harbour area would be the longest trip clubs from the Football Mid North Coast area would have to make.
He added that 10 is the optimum number of clubs that would be accepted, with eight the minimum, providing there was a relatively even spread between the two zones.
"We would run with eight, nine or 10 clubs, although eight would obviously mean a bit more travel," he said.
Mr Parsons pointed out a 10-club competition would mean clubs would only have to travel outside their current boundaries five times a season.
Mr Parsons revealed the league also hopes to gain sponsorship to help assist clubs offset travel costs.
"But frankly I don't think it's too big an impost. This coastal competition would help grow our game and provide clubs with a higher level of football, as well as providing a pathway for our junior players," he said.
Mr Parsons said a bigger competition would also put football in a stronger position when seeking government assistance to improve facilities. He said this is a must if the code is to fulfill its potential in this area.
He confirmed FMNC will press ahead with plans for a one-grade competition for the current premier league clubs not nominating for the coastal competition.
Mr Parsons said this would also be open to clubs currently playing in the Football Mid North Coast northern and southern leagues.
"This might interest clubs like Hallidays Point, Wingham and Old Bar as well as some stronger clubs in the north,'' he said.
Hallidays Point and Wingham currently lead the southern league, with Old Bar, the defending premiers, in third spot. Wingham and Old Bar both previously played in the FMNC Premier League.
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