Forget the J-League, A-League or even Premier League, when it comes to grassroots soccer competitions the M-League reigns supreme in South West Sydney.
Macarthur Football Association, which runs the M-League competition for both men and women, says the 2020 premiership will be bigger than ever.
With player trials getting under way, the association has announced that two new clubs – Ingleburn Eagles and Eschol Park – have been admitted to the M-League men’s competition for next year.
The Eagles and Eschol Park will join Narellan Rangers, Mt Annan, Camden Tigers, Harrington United, Oran Park and premiers Gunners SC in the expanded 2020 men’s competition.
“The expansion comes after a review of Macarthur’s premier football competition was conducted during the year,’’ says Salv Carmusciano, the general manager of Macarthur Football Association.
“The men’s competition will continue to run as a firsts and reserves grade squad based competition,’’ he said.
But expansion wasn’t the only change made ahead of the 2020 M-League season.
In a major shake-up to the competition, the previous men’s third division has been replaced by an U21s League.
“The MFA aims to ensure the competition provides opportunities for younger players,’’ Mr Carmusciano said.
The women’s division has maintained an eight team competition, with St Mary’s Eagle Vale promoted from Division 2 after successive premierships.
They join triple premiers the Camden Tigers, Ingleburn, Oran Park, Eschol Park, Harrington United, Tahmoor Taipans and Narellan Rangers in the 2020 M-League women’s competition.
Mr Carmusciano said clubs were now hosting trials to secure the best talent available as they chase silverware and prizemoney next year.
Trial dates can be found on the Macarthur Football Association website here.
Interested players are encouraged to arrive at trials 30 minutes before the advertised time.
