Soccer: Chatham Cup risks turning into clubs-only contest

Kevin Fallon, coach of Mt Albert Grammar School's First XI, current national champions. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The Chatham Cup is in danger of becoming an elite clubs-only competition after moves by New Zealand Football to up the ante.

Secondary school and businesshouse league teams are now expected to be affiliated to their local federations with a $100 fee being mooted.

The season before last the Chatham Cup entry fee was $180. That increased to $250 and is now likely to rise to $350 for non-affiliated clubs, leading some to ask whether the national body really wants them to play in one of New Zealand's oldest sporting contests.

Asked if his school would still enter, Mt Albert Grammar head Dale Burden said "probably", adding that any increase would have to come out of the fees the pupils pay. When told the entry fee was likely to jump to $350, he admitted he had doubts.

"We will have to reconsider," said Burden. "What are they trying to do, discourage teams from entering?"

MAGS, the current national champions, have enjoyed some good cup runs in the 13 years they have entered.

Under coach Kevin Fallon, they once reached the last 16 before being knocked out by Mt Wellington - the most successful club in Chatham Cup history.

Efforts like that, and the run enjoyed by businesshouse team Bohemian Celtic last season, brought added publicity and interest to the competition.

New Zealand Football's competition manager Glyn Taylor yesterday admitted changes were likely, saying they followed a comprehensive competition review.

"It was loud and clear from clubs around the country that they wanted a level playing field," said Taylor, who also conceded the efforts by MAGS and Bohemian Celtic had been good for the code.

"To ensure that, we need to have every team affiliated to New Zealand Football through their local federations."

While schools and businesshouse teams are affiliated to their respective associations, these, in turn, are not national affiliates.

"I accept there might be a drop-off in entries because of it but we have to be seen as being fair."

Schools point out that many of their players also play for clubs which are affiliated and that should be enough.

Taylor disagrees. "It is the teams we want affiliated, not just the players."

Fallon said he would be disappointed if his school could not enter. "I can't blame the headmaster for bucking at a cost like this," he said. "It is not as if we are going to win but it has been good for the school and soccer in terms of the interest it has created."

MAGS might not be the dominant force of recent years when the new season kicks off.

With a $2.7 million gymnasium being built at the school, the construction site has encroached, by about 25m, on to their superb soccer pitch, forcing Burden to look elsewhere. He has two options - play every home game as an away fixture, or find a club ground suitable for their requirements.

Burden is adamant soccer will return to the ground next year.