By TERRY MADDAFORD
The chance to play against the best club teams in the world awaits the winners of the new-look national soccer championship, which starts with a full round of five matches on Sunday.
The National Club Championship - a return to a national league for the first time in eight years after three years of a Super Club, three years of a National Summer League and last year's North Island/South Island Leagues - brings hope of a genuine national competition among the country's best players.
With guaranteed three-year support from Ansett New Zealand and the backing of sportswear giant adidas, the club championship should, at the highest level, reflect the enormous growth at junior level.
Registrations for the new season are 25 per cent ahead of 1999.
New Zealand Soccer chief executive Bill MacGowan says soccer is now clearly the No 2 sport in New Zealand.
"With a three-year commitment, we can plan and do the things we need for the good of the game," he said.
"The sponsorship arrangement is a significant contribution - the largest soccer has had for a number of years. It means we can say goodbye to the on-off, wait-and-see ways of the past.
"With adidas as the second major sponsor, all 10 clubs will be outfitted at no cost."
Each club will pay $20,000 towards the cost of the league.
NCC manager Rex Dawkins said: "They will also pay a little extra, which will go to the club which wins the right to represent New Zealand in the Oceania playoffs to find the team to play in the World Club Championship.
"All clubs have already paid an initial $5000."
The winner of the September 3 grand final at North Harbour Stadium may, depending on the timing of the 2001 world final, win automatic entry to the Oceania playoffs.
"If we find the playoffs are to be held late next year, the winner of the 2001 championship could win that right," said Dawkins.
In the feature game on Sunday, the renamed University Mt Wellington side will play Waitakere City at Bill McKinlay Park.
In other games, Miramar are at home to Manawatu, Christchurch City meet Metro, Napier are at home to Dunedin Technical and 1999 champions Central meet Nelson Suburbs at Kiwitea St.
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