Previously a part of the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League, the changeover in management took place in January.
Ahead of tomorrow’s season opener for the Wanderer’s senior team, the club are contending with multiple issues.
On Wednesday, the club called an urgent general meeting to address the upcoming season and the playing future of the club.
The first challenge is player numbers for tomorrow’s match, and the second is a pathway for a Deniliquin Wanderers under-16s team.
Deni Wanderers president Matt Crothers said the side is now struggling for numbers.
At the time of going to print, the team had nine registered players, but two are unavailable to play this weekend.
“My daughter’s got her Deb Ball, so I’ll be out because of that, and Masen Brain is away in Geelong.
“That means both of our keepers are out, so that makes it tough.
“Hopefully, we can get a couple more from training to play, but to play they have to be fully registered and paid.
“The aim is to get three or more before the game.”
With higher registration costs this season, as well as fuel cost concerns, it makes it harder for the club and players.
Another strain on the future of the club is that despite efforts made by members of the Deniliquin soccer community, a Wanderers under-16s team will not be going ahead in the Bendigo League this season.
Football Victoria head of competitions Frank Karatzas has reportedly rejected the proposal of an under 16s from Deni, or any others looking to join the existing competition.
Crothers said the decision is “very disappointing”, but the club will continue to discuss their options.
He fears the setback may impact on their ability to draw junior players in the future.
While work on junior pathways continues, Crothers said attention turns to the opening round for the senior players.
The competition started last weekend, with the Wanderers allocated a bye in the first round of the 18 round fixture.
Now a seven team competition, competitors this year include the Echuca-Moama Border Raiders, Castlemaine Gold, Golden City, La Trobe University Bendigo, Strathfieldsaye and Swan Hill.
Deni travel to Moama tomorrow to take on the Raiders, who had a 1-all draw away against Castlemaine Gold last week.
It is scheduled to take place from 3pm at Jack Eddy Oval.
