A revived Western Premier League has been all but confirmed after it received a $10,000 shot in the arm from the NSW Government to help cover the costs of re-forming the league.
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The WPL is all but assured of a return in 2020 after Panorama Football Club's push united clubs from Dubbo, Parkes, Orange, Bathurst and Lithgow to express interest in rejoining the competition.
Up to 10 clubs are coming together next Friday to confirm the league's rebirth, as well as thrash out the structure and format of the WPL.
It's understood that between eight and 10 teams will feature in the WPL, with final numbers to be confirmed on January 31.
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Games would be played on Saturdays under the most likely format, and follow the home-and-away format, before a top four or five advance to finals series.
The previous iteration of the WPL fell apart at the end of 2012 when Westside Panthers, Barnstoneworth in Orange and Dubbo FC all pulled out in quick succession, leaving just three teams in the competition.
Bathurst MP Paul Toole said the competition is a big win for football in the Central West.
"The funding will help cover league registration and insurance costs, team registration fees and administrative costs," he said.
"The Western Premier League will provide a pathway for young footballers in the Central West to go on and reach the NPL and beyond."
Panorama president Beau Yates it's exciting to see the competition up and running.
"It's been a long time waiting and it's essentially been formed at the club level and we've been able to sell it to all the other towns and associations in Dubbo, Lithgow, Orange and Parkes," he said.
"They've all jumped on board and it looks like we've secured an eight to 10 team competitions, which is great for the region and great for football."
He said it's a massive development for footballers who are looking to pursue a career in football.
"This will give younger players who are looking to forge a career in football the opportunity to play at a higher level locally and possibly forge their ways into the lower ranks of the NPL, which is great," he said.
January 31 is the deadline for WPL nominations. For more information, visit the Western Premier League Facebook page or call 0422 384 202.