Two Athletic teams to travel

NEW SUPPORT: Wanganui Athletic FC patron Bryan Stewart, left, with club sponsors Bernie Reuters, Gregor Vallely, reserve team manager Cliff Hughes and club president Peter James.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

DEVON Homes Wanganui Athletic are confident they have the structure in place for two travelling teams as the club's 1sts will return to the Federation League while a new reserve squad enters the Western Premiership tomorrow.

Athletic 1sts were the 2014 Federation League champions but lost their Central League qualifiers to Wellington's Stop Out club.

They then stepped down to Western Premiership last year after the surprise defection of their senior players to Palmerston North Marist, which snowballed to where around 11 of the 16 original squad members departed.

But after a season of rebuilding the 1sts in the third-tier competition, Athletic are ready to return to the Federation League, and unlike 2014 they will have back-up with a reserve side taking over in the premiership.

The club has secured financial support for both squads with Devon Homes managing director Bernie Reuters re-signing as principal sponsor for the third season, while Gregor Vallely Chartered Accountants will sponsor the reserves team, although they will also wear the Devon logo.

"I like what the club is doing with football in Whanganui and encouraging these young guys to take on responsibility not just for themselves but for their team mates and in representing the town, and for that reason I decided to support them for another season," said Reuters.

Vallely said he was pleased to be involved with the reserve team.

"Having worked with some of these boys when they were at the W.I.S. academy, I've been impressed with the work Cliff Hughes has been doing developing this young squad with good values and attitude."

Athletic club resident Peter James said they are ready for the challenge of entering both competitions.

"We have developed our younger playing talent and they are all looking forward to the prospect of travelling football.

"We have quality coaching available and enthusiastic management all ready to go.

"Add to that some experienced talent at the club bolstered by some new quality signings, including one from the United Kingdom and we can't wait for the season to start."

James said it will take a real commitment for the club and players to be on the road so much this season, but securing their sponsors "has given us the confidence to set our sights even higher".

"As the only travelling club out of Whanganui this season a lot of responsibility lies on the shoulders of these teams but we want to make Whanganui proud of its footballers and we hope the town will get behind the teams and support them especially at home games.

"There will be some quality sides coming to Wembley Park this season and with quite a few double headers lined up there is going to be plenty of action at the park this year."

Federation League will be an eight-team competition this season with Athletic, defending champions Team Taranaki, two Hawke's Bay squads, three Palmerston North teams and the return of Gisborne.

The Western Premiership has expanded to 12 teams as three sides have dropped down from Federation League.

There will be eight Palmerston North sides, the Feilding and Levin teams, and the surprise entry of the New Plymouth Rangers.

Wanganui City had a Federation League team and two Western Premiership squads last year, but pulled the pin on travelling this season.

Athletic's season kicks off at Wembley Park as the Reserves face Redsox A at 12.30pm, and the 1sts host Havelock North at 2.30pm.