SOCCER
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Three Illawarra Premier League clubs will be in action in the first of the preliminary rounds for the FFA Cup.
Woonona, Dapto Dandaloo and Port Kembla will all begin what they hope is a fairytale run in the Cup competition.
The Sharks meet Southern and Ettalong United this weekend, the Fury face Pennant Hills FC and Port play Callala Brumbies.
Woonona and Port are both playing in the tournament for the first time.
"A lot of our players were interested in going in it and we thought it was a good opportunity to take the club to that next level," Woonona coach Rob Bemi said.
"We are always pushing for something every year to step up the professionalism of the club, to get them thinking outside the norm."
Woonona have retained the majority of their squad from last season as well as picking up players from neighbouring Fernhill after they were relegated.
The bolstered squad should help the Sharks with their increased schedule in 2015.
They will have the advantage of playing at home in their FFA Cup debut when Southern and Ettalong United visit Ocean Park this week.
"They are a complete unknown," Bemi said.
"I think they have done well in their leg and one of their players got the best player in the competition. I don't know the standard of the league but we are expecting a decent game which is what we are after.
"We want to test ourselves against some of the better teams around."
Bulli, Albion Park White Eagles and Wollongong United are also in the FFA Cup draw but have first-round byes.
Park are up against Sydney University in the second round, Bulli meet Bonnet Bay while United await the winner of Stanmore Hawks and Minto District.
National Premier League club South Coast Wolves earned free passage to round two of qualifying for the main draw where they will face Mount Druitt Rangers.
The Wolves had a dream run in the same competition last year when they played in front of more than 6000 fans against A-League club Central Coast Mariners in Wollongong.
South Coast lost the match 1-0.