FORMER champions and perennial challengers Frome Technical are welcoming the new format for the ISSA daCosta Cup as they hope the first round will help them build momentum for the second round.

Frome Technical Head Coach Cleighton Stevens says that while they are not among the seeded teams, starting their campaign in September will benefit his young team, which needs the competitive games.

Under the new format being introduced this season, the 15 seeded daCosta Cup teams will enter the Ben Francis Cup after the first round, while the 15 seeded Manning Cup teams will enter the Walker Cup. Stevens told theJamaica Observer that the change suits his team.

“I am grateful for the first round because I think I need the first round this season to get more match time for the boys,” he said. “We are having a good preseason so far but we are accustomed to start playing in September, and we’re gonna do it now and get ready for the second round. It works for me and I am happy for it.”

Last season, Frome failed to get past the round of 32 after finishing third in their group on goal-difference. Frome, Kemps Hill High, who went on to reach the semi-finals, and Ben Francis Cup finalists Cornwall College all finished on six points, with Kemps Hill and Cornwall finishing ahead of Frome.

Stevens said Frome have retained most of last season’s team and, based on the growth he has seen so far, he is confident they can make an impact, although he is wary of becoming overconfident.

“To be honest, if the players continue and the keepers stay focused, they are improving,” he said. “If everyone continue to work and improve, and we hope the players who are seeking to join us will get subject, you can look out for us. I could say they can look out for us, it’s still a young team but I think they can deliver.”

Stevens said he has been satisfied with the team’s performances during the preseason.

“I can’t complain; it’s not bad. The boys, they are learning and they’re following instruction,” he said. “They are young but they are taking on instructions, acting like senior players but they still have some things to learn.”

He added that some players in the squad are as young as seventh grade.

Stevens said he has lost players who still had eligibility, with some opting to move on to tertiary institutions and others entering the job market.

“That means the others must now step up, but I am confident they will fill the gaps,” he said.