GSSA premier league pulled

With its new season starting tomorrow night, the Great Southern Soccer Association has suffered a major blow after announcing this week there will not be a men's premier league competition this year.

The GSSA top-tier competition attracted four teams last year with Polonia winning the league title and Caledonians taking out the cup, but the association was left with no choice but to pull the league when interest came from only three teams.

GSSA president Chris Walker said it was a shame the premier competition would not be played this season.

"We were hopeful we would get four teams again - we ended up getting three and then there were doubts about one of those, so it has become a mixed men's league," he said.

"Disappointing is not the word, I'm devastated to be honest.

"I was really hoping this year there would be a resurgence in the premier league."

There will be an 11-team men's mixed competition this season, comprising existing premier league and reserve league teams.

Polonia will field two sides as will Albany Bayswater and the rest of the competition, which starts on May 12, will comprise The Vets, Caledonia, PR United, Old Boys, Denmark, Royals and Cross Keys United.

"Hopefully the mixed league can provide a springboard for a resurgence in the premier league," Walker said.

The strength of the women's competitions continues to grow with seven teams taking part in league 1 this season.

Division 2 winners Albany Bayswater will join defending league titleholders Denmark, Royals, Caledonian Red, Phoenix, Rovers and Polonia in league 1, which starts tomorrow night.

Six teams will also contest league 2, including new side Great Southern Grammar.

"The women's league is strong," Walker said.

"They're going really well."