SOCCER action returns to the Blue Lake city this weekend with Round 1 of the Limestone Coast Football Association’s Belgiorno Cup on Sunday.
This will see many teams showcase some fresh looks, specifically in the coaching department.
With each of the Mount Gambier-based senior sides under new management, this week’s matches will mark a beginning of an era, as the new leaders look to build upon the many accomplishments left behind by out-going coaches.
The league also welcomes a fresh face to the chief executive officer title, with Eric Nieto taking over the reins from Bill Stephenson after a three-year term, which included a total of 10 years on the LCFA board.
So far, Nieto said he has found the role a challenge, but he is determined to see 2018 a successful year for the association.
“I have been part of the board for many years, but this is the first time as the CEO of the league,” he said.
“You just really have to work with all the clubs and try to keep everybody happy, but at the same time try to make the right decision for the league.”
When asked about what he hopes to achieve in the role, Nieto said his wish is one shared by all previous CEO’s.
“I hope to achieve as much as all other CEO’s want to achieve, to have a successful season with the league,” he said.
Last year it was the top three teams who dominated A Grade, with reigning premier International, Apollo and Centrals all the teams to beat.
And it will likely to be a similar scenario this season, with this year returning to a seven-team competition, as Tatiara steps out to regroup and establish both a junior and senior side, before returning to the league.
Despite the dominance of the leading teams, Nieto remains optimistic and said looking forward his goal would be to have a relatively even competition across all teams.
“We don’t want it to become a two-horse race,” he said.
“My wish would be to have seven clubs at a close level, not a two-man race like we have had in the last three or four years.”
However, he is aware this is not something which will happen over night, stating his belief the off-season should be better utilised to manage what is best for the league.
“I’ve always been under the impression and my thoughts towards any sport is when the season starts you play for your club.
“So for 90 minutes on the day you have to try and win.
“But in the off-season you should all be working together to help improve the league.
“Forget about who you are with, just make the decisions and think about what is better for the whole league, not just your club.”
In terms of the clubs themselves, Nieto is excited by what the he has seen and heard so far, with Round 1 to be a good indication of what to expect from each side this year.
“I think Gareth Vonduve just brings some new dynamics into the team (International),” he said.
“He is younger, he’s very enthusiastic and very direct.
“Nathan (Fleetwood) at Centrals, I think he is a great asset for both the league and Centrals.
“Jared Vause is coaching Blue Lake, he and Tristan Guess are doing it together.
“Both are great young players with a lot of enthusiasm, so hopefully they bring a lot of good things for Blue Lake.
“And Apollo has Bruno Vadori, who as an ex Inter player and coach.
“He is very experienced in the junior departments and he will be a great asset to any team that has him.”
In addition to the regular season, this year will also see the Limestone Coast host the South Australian Junior Soccer Association Country Championships in August, giving local players a chance to play against country teams from all over the state on their home grounds.
“We hope our kids can do well,” Nieto said.
“We have come back with a couple of winners and a couple of runners-up in the past.
“When you’re playing against country Adelaide teams, that is a pretty good result.”
Not only will this be a good opportunity for the league, but the championships will provide an economic boost for the Blue Lake City.
“It brings around 6000 people into the town,” Nieto said.
“So the town benefits, the kids don’t have to travel and the parents for once don’t have to spend lots of money.
“However, we are still chasing grounds, we need nine pitches.”
Another focus of 2018 will be the Miniroos competition.
With an expected 300 players, Nieto said it is a positive sign for the future of the sport and it will be great to see so many youngsters out enjoying themselves.
Round 1 of the Belgiorno Cup will see a grand final re-match between Inter and Apollo at Casadio Park, while Centrals will host Blue Lake and Naracoorte makes the trip to play Millicent.
Portland has the bye for the opening round.
