The National Soccer League has been strengthened with news that 'Team Canterbury' will play in the 2002 summer competition. Team Canterbury will replace Christchurch City as the Garden City representatives after receiving unanimous support from Federation level clubs at a meeting on Monday night.
Clubs with senior men's sides playing in Federation Six Leagues voted unanimously to support the move and at the same time forgo their own National League aspirations.
Federation Six Soccer Chairman Laurie Blyth is thrilled with the decision, one he says will allow the brakes to well and truly come off soccer in the region. "The Team Canterbury branding will open new doors on the playing and financial fronts, and encourage city wide support on the terraces.
The team has been given a three year approval by the clubs and I'm certain we will see improvements in playing standards and support in that time. Credit must be paid also to Woolston and Christchurch Technical who (as former entrants Christchurch City) have in effect handed over their right to enter the league to allow the game to further develop.
Federation Six Administration Manager Terry Blacktopp says Team Canterbury will be run as an incorporated society with a board of five to be appointed in early November 2001. "Two positions will be elected with the remaining three to be appointed by a selection committee comprising Bill McGowan, Selwyn Maister (CEO Sport Canterbury/Westland) and a representative of major sponsor. Applications will be invited from the business and corporate community with profile, finance and soccer knowledge key elements."
The Team Canterbury concept will also allow the Federation to dovetail it's junior programmes into senior soccer, ensuring a smooth transition for the best young talent in the region.
The position of coach will be advertised immediately, with the newly formed Board charged with making that decision one of their first. It is likely the team will play at QEII Stadium next year until redevelopment of English Park is complete in October 2002.
New Zealand Soccer Chief Executive Bill McGowan has given full backing to the Team Canterbury concept. "This will allow the city to mount a financially sound challenge on the Southern Trust National League, but also should encourage the very best players in Christchurch to aspire to play for Team Canterbury. This should in turn provide a more competitive title chase from a region that has a proud record in the game."
