UNE Life has broken their silence after it was revealed they would be forming a new, rebel soccer competition for 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last week, The Armidale Express revealed five Armidale-based soccer clubs had signalled their intention to break away from the sport's governing body in favour of a new, independent competition this year.
South Armidale, Norths United, East Armidale, Armidale City Westside and Demon Knights are hoping to play in a new tournament run by the University of New England after becoming disgruntled with Northern Inland Football.
The Express made numerous attempts to talk to a representative from UNE Life last week but the requests were either denied, or they failed to respond.
A media conference was held last Friday at Sport UNE to announce the structure of the newly-formed conference but The Express did not receive an invite.
However, the organised group sent out a statement on Monday which outlined some of their plans.
"There's a feeling amongst some of the clubs that perhaps they've been misrepresented in the past few weeks," clubs' spokesperson John Edmunds said.
RELATED:
"Ultimately, I don't want to enter into the history of the concerns that have led us here, this is simply a matter of our own clubs wishing to administer football in our own community."
"I think the clubs have done a wonderful job in respecting the negotiation process with Northern Inland Football.
"The proposed competition structure from NIF has changed several times over recent weeks and obviously it wasn't appropriate for us to pass comment until we could ensure that the way forward reflected what our members were looking for.
"Whilst Wednesday's decision by NIF to allow our Juniors to return to the competition was encouraging, we had already made progress towards a local comp that would allow seniors and juniors to remain together."
Director of UNE Life, Dave Schmude, said their intention was to provide a platform for the sport within the Armidale community.
"SportUNE has a long, proud history of providing competitions and sporting opportunities not only in the local region, but right across the country," he said in the statement.
"For nearly 80 years we've focused both on the benefits of sport participation, and also on pathways for those who wish to perform at a higher level.
"Our community has asked us for help to create this competition and we're equipped and prepared to assist."
Guyra United have also confirmed they will join the new venture.
There will be a public forum at the Armidale City Bowling Club on Wednesday from 6pm to address any concerns.