FFNC has released a DRAFT schedule (i.e. applicable weekends) on which the various semi-finals, finals and grand finals are proposed to be played in season 2023.
Planning for a centralised grand finals series, will again be prevented, with neither Oakes Oval, Lismore nor Crozier Field, Lismore, being available during the period required for FFNC grand finals this year. FFNC is aware that various events have already been held at Oakes Oval over recent weeks, despite that venue remaining ‘under construction’ as major building works/improvements continue. Lismore City Council has however made it known that a return to using Oakes Oval (without specific conditions being in place), is not expected until late August, however bookings for other events, including an Indigenous Rugby League tournament scheduled for the weekend of 15/16/17 September, will necessarily be given priority by LCC. The estimated availability of Crozier Field is less precise, as major works continue. Further, neither venue has a current (or anticipated) functionality of field lighting, which is a situation that mitigates the use of these venues. We ask for patience and understanding as the enormous task of navigating through a range of complex matters (and obstacles post 2022 floods), continues. Football Far North Coast is committed to working constructively with community partners as part of demonstrating a collaborative alignment to achieve reasonable outcomes at the earliest reasonable opportunity.
The Grand Finals Series will therefore proceed across club venues in 2023, which is acknowledged as having ‘pros and cons’. Plans to return to having access to a marquee venue (typically Oakes Oval and/or Crozier Field), will be an objective for 2024.
We anticipate that everyone will embrace the increasing momentum that football is getting after the challenges faced in the past three years.
May season 2023 continue to deliver much purpose and positive engagement through football activity and enjoyment.
Please find a DRAFT schedule for the Finals Series of each respective senior league and junior competition attached to this article.
