Calls for change after soccer club told it needs men's team to compete
Millicent United Soccer Club in South Australia has been told it must field a senior men's team to continue participating in its local competition, despite strong numbers in its women's and junior teams. The club's inability to sustain a men's side has put its future in jeopardy, sparking concerns about fairness and inclusivity in regional sports. Football South Australia says it must balance competition integrity with participation, while experts urge systemic changes to support community clubs.
- ▪Millicent United Soccer Club must field a senior men's team to compete next season, despite having 18 players in its women's team.
- ▪The club struggled with player retention in its men's side, managing only a reserves team last year.
- ▪Football South Australia cited fixture imbalances in the seven-club Limestone Coast Premier League as a reason for the requirement.
- ▪Flinders University's Sam Elliott emphasized the importance of keeping youth engaged to address long-term player shortages.
- ▪Similar issues have affected other regional clubs, such as Woady Yaloak Football and Netball Club, which withdrew all junior teams due to player shortages.
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Women's and junior soccer players in limbo as SA club told men's team neededBy Sam BradbrookABC South East SATopic:Sports Organisations19m ago19 minutes agoSat 2 May 2026 at 9:30pmLily Izzo and Lauren Potter say their club should be able to participate without a men's side. (ABC South East SA: Sam Bradbrook)In short: Millicent United Soccer Club has been told it needs to field a men's team to compete in its local competition from next year. The men's side has struggled with player retention, but the women's and junior sides are strong. What's next? Football South Australia says it needs to consider fixturing and competition for other clubs in the competition.
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