Southampton’s parks will once more buzz with the noise of football this afternoon as the largest Saturday grassroots league in the area starts its 2014/15 season.

Ten divisions of teams will play their first fixtures of the Drew Smith Southampton Saturday League, with more than 35 matches scheduled.

Secretary of the league Rod Sutherland, the man that organises the 99 teams from the Premier Division to the veterans, is looking forward to the return of one of city’s traditions that has been going for more than 100 years.

“The Premier Division promises to be one of the most open for years after champions Cadnam and Netley moved to the Hampshire Premier League,” Sutherland said. “Comrades are likely favourites. The two University teams, Solent Saints and Southampton University, if they can field consistent sides, could challenge as well.

“Nursling are always a threat whilst BTC Soton can’t be ruled out and Real FC could be strong as well.

“AFC Hiltingbury, who were second bottom last term, have dropped out at the last minute, leaving the division with just ten teams.

“Bishopstoke will be as unpredictable as ever and Durley, who dropped down from the Hampshire League after a miserable season, are an unknown quantity.

“Senior 1 will likely see a two way tussle between AFC Gulf Western and Chamberlayne.

“It will be an exciting season.”

BTC Southampton and Nursling drew 2-2 last weekend in the Premier, but today marks the first day of full action.

Comrades and Nursling go head-to-head, while newcomers Real FC face Durley.

In the Senior Division, promoted AFC Gulf Western face last term’s strugglers BTC Southampton Reserves and Junior 2 champions Braishfield, who have skipped up two leagues, take on Comrades Reserves.

Two more newcomers, Bishop’s Waltham Dynamos and Compton, lock horns.

In a completely new-look Junior 2, last season’s Junior 3 runners-up Capital play FC Wellington, who were relegated from Junior 1.

New Forest FC, promoted two divisions after impressing in Junior 4, play Priory Rovers who came up from Junior 3.

EPFC welcome Botley Village and Woodlands travel to Sporting Wessex. And that’s just the top four divisions.

There’s a feast of football across the further three Junior leagues and three more Veteran divisions, as well as a ladies competition.