Football Champions

Challenge Cup preview

(SOCCER - NL) Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association
Thu Apr 29, 2010 - "Greatly encouraged" is Gordon Dunphy's reaction to another increase in the number of teams entered in the 2010 provincial Challenge Cup soccer competition. Dunphy is vice-president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association responsible for senior male soccer."Last year we had Corner Brook playing well in Challenge Cup as an additional club and it worked out very well," the St. Lawrence native who resides in St. John's said. "Now this season we have Conception Bay South as a new entry for another increase and that too speaks well for senior male soccer.""Conception Bay South is set to compete against the four pillars of Newfoundland and Labrador men's soccer; Holy Cross, St. Lawrence, Feildians, and Mount Pearl.""Also back into the fold for a second consecutive season is Western United FC playing out of Corner Brook. This year Western United FC will play a full schedule after it was granted permission last year to play a reduced schedule. The top four clubs advance into the play-offs which are to be hosted by St. Lawrence during Labour Day Weekend.""The St. John's Under 18's were again granted permission to play in the provincial Challenge Cup League, but it will be on an exhibition basis only. The Under 18's will play a total of 18 games.""The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association will begin a public relations marketing program by having the St. Lawrence Laurentians play the Under 18's in Clarenville, a neutral site.""The U-18 club is talented and will be an excellent seventh team," Dunphy pointed out."Like solid fans all over the place, I am looking forward to great senior male soccer this summer. Overall, the general calibre continues to improve and the fan interest is growing with the caliber."The opening game for the Challenge is slated for June 5. Dunphy is also Challenge Cup Commissioner and he feels "soccer in Newfoundland and Labrador is moving forward and we are coming on par with the rest of Canada. We will see further growth with the establishment of three new indoor facilities and with the artificial turf pitches in St. John's, Mount Pearl and Corner Brook.He realizes the fact that Conception Bay South will have its turf field completed in August."These new and exceptional facilities will further grow the soccer program. However, he said", "I would love to see a new turf field put in St. Lawrence to serve the whole Burin Peninsula region."In addition to the continuous attraction of Challenge Cup play, Dunphy had plenty of praise for "the volunteers who are responsible for other senior male soccer. Intermediate soccer continues to be a major aspect of sport within Newfoundland and Labrador. I suspect that about 100 teams play intermediate soccer at the local levelfrom Grank Bank to Labrador City and numerous communities in between. About 25 teams will enter provincial championships.""And we must remember that masters soccer for those just a little older has a great history and wonderful future within the provincial sports spectrum. The quality of play within masters soccer is really terrific, overflowing with skill and talent supported by experience."He said "of course we will again conduct intermediate and masters championships during 2010," and praised "all the grassroot volunteers who devote so much time and effort to providing the opportunity for many, many athletes to enjoy intermediate and masters soccer."(Original Story)

Submitted By: Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer AssociationSource: Soccer NL - http://www.nlsa.ca/