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The South West Soccer Association 2010 season kicks off on Sunday 11 April, with what promises to be another thrilling season of action as clubs from around the region battle it out in various divisions, in a bid to reach the top of the ladder by season’s end.
Men’s Premier Division winners from 2009, Bunbury United, will have their work cut out for them if they want to repeat their success, fending off last year’s joint runners-up Busselton Soccer Club and Australind Soccer Club, who both finished only 2 points behind them for season 09. Busselton Soccer Club is already looking dangerous this season, breezing through the Margaret River Carnival undefeated without conceding a single goal.
In the Men’s Reserves Division for 2009, Dynamos Red and Bunbury United finished on equal points, with Dynamos Red just ahead on goal difference. This could be another close finish in 2010, although Dynamos are only fielding one team in the Reserves this year. All 9 teams in the men’s competition have a side in both the Premier and Reserves Division. All of the players need to stay right on their game if they want to retain a place in the side each week.
Dynamos Red were 2009 Women’s Premier League Champions, but will face strong competition from Busselton Soccer Club and Hay Park United Soccer Club. History has shown there will always be a few upsets by some of the weaker teams. Regrouping in this division means only one Dynamos team will be competing here as well.
Hay Park United Soccer Club edged out Dynamos Red in the Women’s Premier Reserves last year and were simply too strong for the rest of the female teams. No doubt they will be hoping to continue on from this in 2010. With 8 Premier and 9 Reserves teams in the Woman’s Divisions, it is great to see plenty of ladies from around the South West getting into the world game.
In the Men’s Division One category, Manjimup Rovers Soccer Club easily finished on top in 2009. With this their only team in any of the men’s competitions, this side was simply too experienced for the other teams to handle. Busselton will have two teams in the Division One 2010 competition, with The Geographe Bay Football Club joining the league for the first time. Geographe Bay FC is made up of former members of Busselton Soccer Club who are hoping to expand the profile of Soccer in the South West, and this should make the local derbys between Dunsborough and the two Busselton sides extra exciting.
The 2010 season began on Sunday March 28 for Division One and kicks off on Sunday April 11 for all other Divisions. If you want to see some exciting soccer action, get along to a local game near you. The SWSA website is currently being updated, but when the games begin, follow the action at www.southwestsoccer.asn.au , or we'll try to get back with some photos from time to time.
Steve comes to us as a journeyman who has a passion for writing and connections in sport at player and organising level. A young man who has a willingness to work hard and an eye for the details about what’s going on and who’s making it happen.