Reigning champions Belmont Swansea United will kick off the 2023 HIT106.9 Northern League One season with a tough test at home to Kahibah FC.
Northern NSW Football announced the draw for its 2023 premier competitions on Tuesday, including its second-tier men’s competition.
Belswans, who downed New Lambton FC in last year’s grand final to secure the championship, will welcome the Rams to Blacksmiths Oval on Saturday 25 February.
Northern League One has been extended to a 27-round regular season, with the competition reduced to nine teams following the promotion of reigning premiers New Lambton to NPL Men’s NNSW.
The finals series structure will remain unchanged.
Elsewhere in round one, Thornton Redbacks FC will host South Cardiff FC at Pasadena Oval on Friday 24 February.
Toronto Awaba FC will look to build on their impressive 2022 when they welcome West Wallsend FC to Lyall Peacock Field on Saturday 25 February.
While Singleton Strikers FC will travel to Turner Park to face Cessnock City Hornets FC on Sunday 26 February.
NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley said the 2023 HIT 106.9 Northern League One campaign promised to be an intriguing one.
“New Lambton FC were an extremely strong club at this level for a long time and now that they have moved up it will be interesting to see how that changes the competition. Northern League One is a strong competition featuring some fantastic traditional and historic clubs,” Bentley said.
“Belmont Swansea United were deserved grand final winners while Toronto Awaba and Kahibah also had outstanding seasons in particular last year.
“When we consulted about competition structure options following New Lambton’s promotion, clubs told us they wanted more football and with 27 rounds we’ve definitely given them that. There are some outstanding matches in the opening round and I can’t wait for kick off.”
“We wish everyone all the best for the 2023 season.”
There will also be special commemorative rounds for Female Football Week and NAIDOC Week as well as a Respect Round.
Northern League One match days will feature first and reserve grade matches only, with the youth component of Northern League One having moved to the new Premier Youth League Boys competition.
Northern NSW Football have entered a partnership with World Sport Action group to launch Squadi as the competition management system for NNSWF premier competitions.
Download the Squadi app to provide easy access to results, player statistics and fixture changes for any teams you follow from youth through to first grade.
For help on how to download Squadi and find your team click HERE
The full 2023 HIT106.9 Northern League One fixture list is available HERE
The full 2023 Premier Youth League Boys Division Two fixture list is available HERE
2023 HIT106.9 Northern League One Round 1 Fixtures
Thornton Redbacks FC v South Cardiff FC – Pasadena Oval – Friday 24 February – 8pm
Toronto Awaba FC v West Wallsend FC – Lyall Peacock Field – Saturday 25 February – 2.30pm
Belmont Swansea United FC v Kahibah FC – Blacksmiths Oval – Saturday 25 February – 4.30pm
Cessnock City Hornets FC v Singleton Strikers FC – Turner Park – Sunday 26 February – 2.30pm
Wallsend FC BYE