Financial support to get sporting teams back on the field

Lismore Thistles and South Lismore have been successful in securing another $10,000 in flood relief from the Commonwealth Bank.

It has ensured both teams return to the pitch for the first round of the competition next weekend.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said: "It's both a heartbreaking and challenging time for flood-affected communities across Queensland and New South Wales and our ongoing thoughts are with everyone affected.

"We've seen and heard countless stories of community football clubs directly impacted by these devastating floods and with thanks to our major partner, Commonwealth Bank, these clubs are now able to apply for assistance as part of the CommBank Flood Relief Fund to help them get back on their feet.

"On behalf of Football Australia, I would like to extend our gratitude to Northern NSW Football, Football NSW and Football Queensland for the ongoing support you're providing these clubs and communities, and to the wider Australian Football Family for also reaching out to these clubs in their time of need."

Striker and former men's premier league player of the year Paddy Kable returns for South Lismore this season after missing last season with a knee injury.

Midfielder Jack Baker is the only major loss while young defender Bodhi Estreich will captain the side again.

Coach Rick Austen was hoping to ease the team into the season ahead of the first flood on February 28.

"We've taken a different approach this year and gone back to training a bit later," Austen said.

"We were a bit flat at the end of last season and you could see the player fatigue."

Football Far North Coast continues to work with clubs to get players back on the field.

Enthusiasm remains high for the season to kick-off, with players, coaches, match officials, club volunteers and parents, all wanting season 2022 to start," Football Far North Coast general manager Steve Mackney said.

"With over 200 competition teams (junior and senior) and more than 300 miniroos teams across the 24 clubs now nominated, season 2022 is starting to take shape after the recent obstacles that saw the game stalled for a while.

"Female football is again confirming the rise and rise of girls and women wanting to play the game, with 65 girls only junior teams, from ages 5 to 16 ready and excited to get on the pitch and 43 senior women's teams nominated across five senior leagues.

"Football will welcome 8 teams to the premier league this season and welcome Maclean FC into that competition for the first time.

"This is anticipated to bring more excitement and depth to the top flight of female football in the region and we wish the Bobcats an enjoyable season.

"The ongoing strong support for female football within the region is welcome news in advance of Female Football Week that will proceed between May 6-15."

Alstonville will host South Lismore in the first men's premier league match of the season at Crawford Park next Friday night.

Goonellabah takes on Maclean at Weston Park while Thistles travel to play Mullumbimby Brunswick. Bangalow host Richmond Rovers while Byron Bay plays Lennox Head.