WARRNAMBOOL District Soccer League officials have added a second junior grade to cope with the increasing popularity of the sport.
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Season 2015 will feature under 16 and under 13 grades for the first time, up from the sole under 15 grade in 2014.
The 16s features three sides — Warrnambool Wolves, Scotts Creek Lions and Hamilton Raiders.
The 13s has the same three, along with Warrnambool Rangers, who have withdrawn their youngest side from the Ballarat and District Soccer Association.
WDSL president Carlos Del Rio said the expansion reflected well on the competition, although the senior ranks will have five sides, down from six. Deakin Dragons, Jetty Flat Rangers and Merri Stingrays — sides made up of Wolves members — are up against Scotts Creek Lions and Hamilton Raiders.
Del Rio said the hunt was on for more referees, to officiate in the WDSL but also BDSA matches when Warrnambool Rangers play at home.
“The league runs the referees group. We are actively looking for people who want to learn to become soccer referees,” he said.
“We’re also talking to Ballarat about whether we can assist providing referees for the BDSA matches in Warrnambool.
“We need more stock in Warrnambool. We’ve got enough to cover our league but the more we have, the better the games will be in Warrnambool.”
The WDSL senior competition gets under way tomorrow, with both matches at Harris Street Reserve.
Merri Stingrays meet Jetty Flat Rangers while Deakin Dragons take on Hamilton Raiders. Scotts Creek Lions have the bye.
The junior competition starts on May 10. The two age grades will each play two seasons, split by the July school holidays.
afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au
