Sport
5 January, 2023
Viability concerned commissioners
AFL Central Victoria had concerns for the medium-term viability of the existing under 18 football competition models. Releasing a statement a month after confirming it would run an under 18 league in 2023 and absorb the four existing Loddon Valley...
AFL Central Victoria had concerns for the medium-term viability of the existing under 18 football competition models.
Releasing a statement a month after confirming it would run an under 18 league in 2023 and absorb the four existing Loddon Valley junior sides, the commission in late December said its concern was driven by current participation rates.
“The purpose of offering this new AFL CV competition is to maximise the number of 17 and 18-year-old males playing football in the region (including those currently not playing), and to assist clubs develop sustainable pathways for players, coaches and families,” the commission said.
“AFL CV will work with all clubs, including those who are unlikely to have sufficient players for them to field a full team on their own, to ensure their players continue to participate. AFL CV will collaborate with clubs to assist in forming combined or aligned teams where applicable.
“Similarly, AFL CV will meet with clubs who have an excess of players for one team. Clubs and teams from outside AFL CV’s existing geography are invited to express interest.”
The commission said it was recruiting staff to assist with the formation of teams and to manage the new competition.
Commissioners had consulted with all senior Leagues and clubs in the Greater Bendigo region during the 2022 season.
East Loddon Rams, Marong, Bridgewater and Inglewood are the only confirmed clubs in the new competition at this stage.