FMNC chairman Mike Parsons said similar competitions successfully operate in Sydney and Newcastle.

Mr Parson said the competition would be zone-wide and wouldn't be played in northern and southern divisions, as is the case with the other junior age groups.

Mr Parsons said it would be open to all clubs in the zone.

"It won't be linked directly with the Zone Premier League,'' he said.

"If clubs in the Zone Premier League also enter an under 18 side we'll do our best to align them. But we can't guarantee this will happen every week.''

He said older players would be able to act as mentors for the under 18s and said this won't be a 'pseudo reserve grade'.

Mr Parsons added this is a way for clubs to introduce younger players into grade football while also being an avenue for some older players to stay in the game.

Football Mid North Coast announced plans for the Zone Premier League this week.

This will be a one-grade competition to be made up of sides formerly involved in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League along with others from the zone's Northern and Southern Leagues.

Mr Parsons said there will be 10 vacancies in the Zone Premier League and he is confident these will be filled.

Clubs have been notified about the under 18 concept and FMNC will soon be calling for nominations.