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La Fiamma confirms bid for 2015 FFA Cup berth

Chapman Athletic, Olympic Heat, Rovers or La Fiamma soccer clubs could take on Hyundai A-League teams next year.

The nationwide FFA Cup has been opened to all clubs around Australia in 2015 and nominations are open for all Mid West clubs to put their names in the hat.

La Fiamma committee member Lindsay Cannon confirmed the Reds would apply to enter the competition, but Mid West Soccer Association president Greg Lumley said they would qualify through the metropolitan zone.

That is because each club can only enter one team and must go through their highest level of competition, which would be the Reds’ Sunday League division two team.

Geraldton clubs can nominate for round one of the cup tournament and face a local knockout competition to determine who advances to the next round.

The winner advances to face other regional winners and then progresses to play Perth sides.

Cannon was hopeful applying and playing in the FFA Cup would attract players to the area and help develop young Geraldton players.

“Our primary goal is to advance to division one in the Sunday league, but hopefully applying to the FFA Cup will get a few players to come and play with us, ” he said.

“We are appealing for players to come on board and support Geraldton soccer in this pursuit.”

Local sides have until January 30 to nominate and pay the $300 fee, $250 of which will be paid by Football West.

The Reds are yet to confirm a coach for their 2015 campaign, but Martin Leeson is the front runner.

Leeson coached two seasons ago and Cannon said it was likely Leeson would get the nod.

“The coach is not appointed officially, but Martin has put himself up as head coach once again, ” he said.

“Sunday league is definitely a go, as well as a new-look strip to go for promotion this year.

“It’s all hands on deck and training will start in January — earlier than ever before.”