YOOGALI FC's bid to join the Pascoe Cup this year has been declined, with Football Wagga citing a desire to consolidate the current competition and ensuring Junee makes a smooth return as the key factors.
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The Griffith outfit has been informed they won't be granted entry to Wagga's first grade men's competition this year, but future proposals would be reconsidered.
Junee will return to first grade after sitting out last year, which will bring the number of Pascoe Cup teams to 11.
The Jaguars were given a guarantee they would be permitted to return when they see fit, with the club confirming last week their intention to return to first grade.
"The basic reason (for Yoogali FC's submission being denied) is we need to consolidate the competition as it stands and with Junee coming back in, we're keen to make sure that works," Football Wagga president Tony Dobbin said.
"We're standing behind our commitment to Junee, so we've said no at this point in time.
"As much as we don't want to turn people away, there is a competition in Griffith and we want to consolidate what we have."
Fellow Griffith club Hanwood made a return to the Pascoe Cup after a long absence last year, where they claimed the premiership with an extra time grand final victory over Lake Albert.
But Dobbin said the circumstances 12 months ago were different, with Junee already confirming their withdrawal.
"Last year Junee were up front and said they weren't going to come in, and Hanwood had been wanting to come in for quite some time," Dobbin said.
"So we'd had lots of discussions already, the timing was right."
Yoogali FC president John Carbone said the club is still keen to join the competition at some stage.
"The Football Wagga board have declined our request due to their wish to consolidate the competition," he said.
"They did express their desire to look into the proposal again in 2021. Yoogali FC are happy to work with the Football Wagga board and clubs to join the competition in the near future."
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