Football: Stafford Choat competition returns

Tikipunga's Josh Morunga gets in a cross under pressure during last year's Stafford Choat final against Kamo, which Kamo won 3-2 in extra time. Photo / File

The annual Stafford Choat contest is about to come alive again as the knockout cup tournament starts tomorrow.

While all seven Northland premier teams have byes for the first two rounds, competition is bound to be fierce as the memory of Stafford Choat lives on.

With Kamo being the defending champions of the tournament, they will again look for a strong showing because of their special connection with the trophy - named after a Kamo boy who lost his life trying to save other kids who were drowning.

Once the competition reaches the third round, it will involve eight teams while four teams get a bye.

Next Saturday, July 12, the Federation One Cup kicks off as knockout football begins to sneak into the sporting calendar.

In the Federation One first round, FC Whangarei will host East Coast Bays Sheehan while Central Brown host Takapuna Boca.

Travelling away for the first round is Kamo, Kerikeri, and Tikipunga who will face Glen Eden Rangers, Albany Africans, and Birkenhead Unclean respectively.

The Federation One competition will be contested by 16 teams, with Kerikeri looking to go one better this year after finishing bridesmaids last year again.

For the third time in four years, Kerikeri finished runners-up in the knockout competition between Northland and Auckland sides after a 5-4 loss to Te Atatu.