The change in emphasis is a consequence of a growing number of available junior players and several older players who have retired or are unavailable after last season.

The effect of the change will see some teams struggle to maintain required standards because youth development was not embraced earlier, while teams who are well into this policy are likely to achieve significant results.

Tomorrow's game between Launceston City and Launceston, kicking off at 6pm, is a likely example of this change.

Facing uncertain futures, Launceston and former Northern League team North Launceston Eagles agreed to share resources, which has given Launceston access to Eagles youth players, some of whom are certain to play tomorrow.

Talented 16-year-old Eagles player Chris Budgeon will play alongside Launceston striker Chris Pickering, while Budgeon's team-mate Mitch Lee will fill a spot in defence with Launceston's Nathan Balym and Julian McGee.

In Launceston's midfield, Andy Fraser, Pip Atherton and Sam Duncan will be joined by Damien Nast, who recently transferred from Western Knights.

At Windsor Park Riverside Olympic hosts Ulverstone in what should be an even contest.

Olympic coach Conrad Hughes has continued a youth policy during the past two years giving several young players, including Pieter Oosterloo and Dominic Gaetani, the opportunity to improve their game.

The results were evident by good performances in the Hudson Cup, and given this improvement will continue, Olympic will not be easy opposition.

Reigning premier Devonport City is home to Northern Rangers at Valley Rd, and new coach and former Devonport player, Charlie McCaffrey is likely to name three new players for the game.

Left-footer Andrew Meldrum, Mahain Comandari - twin brother of Foad Comandari who is now at the AIS - and Amon Murphy, a former player in mainland leagues, are likely to join Devonport's talent in young and older players to make Rangers chances difficult.

Burnie United and Western Knights meet at Montello while Somerset will host Kingborough Lions at Cardigan St in the first game of the KWMC Premier League Challenge.

DRAW: Saturday: Riverside Olympic v Ulverstone at Windsor Pk, 2.30pm; Devonport v Northern Rangers at Valley Rd. 2.30pm; Burnie United v Western Knights at Montello, 2.30pm; Saturday night: Launceston City v Launceston at Prospect, 6pm.