AFL South East would like to inform all stakeholders within the South East Region of the formation of a Working Party to review the structure of football through the 16-20 year old age groups. AFL South East has invited all league stakeholders to be part of the Youth Football Working Party (YFWP) which will review whether current structures ideally manage the transition from junior to senior football. As part of the review, issues such as (but are not limited too) the suitability of current and potential structures, demographic shifts, club settings and other influences will be considered.
The review aims to produce recommendations based on detailed analysis and data, which leagues can use to determine the structure that ensures as many young adults within their community remain in the game as possible.
Losing players to the game through these age groups is not a modern phenomenon. Over the years within our sport, there has been constant dialogue between stakeholders on how to ensure players are not lost through the transition to senior football. The sustainability of clubs, the dynamics of competitions and the positive impact on local communities both economically and socially are jeopardised when playing numbers diminish.
What we have in our region is a situation where some clubs are struggling through demographic change and others are flourishing through strong junior connections and localised growth. The question is how do we harness that growth and provide a framework for the flourishing clubs to continue to flourish however at the same time support struggling clubs and build their sustainability?
There are many differences of opinion when it comes to this issue. What the review will attempt to do is apply detailed analysis and data to the discussion and bring consensus within all stakeholders to the way forward.
The review follows a time of significant focus on youth football in the region over the off-season. Both the Casey Cardinia FNL and the South East Juniors are inaugurating U17 competitions in 2014 and plans for two new competitions (U17 within Frankston District Junior FL and Colts within the Peninsula FNL) were vetoed by AFL Victoria Country and the PCN Sports Alliance respectively.
Once again, all leagues within the region (PCN Sports Alliance, MPJFL, FDJFL and South East Juniors) have been invited to be represented within the YFWP. Clubs, leagues, umpiring associations and any other relative party to the discussion will be invited to present or provide submissions. More detail on the terms of reference and review timetable will be released once the YFWP has been established.
Jeremy Bourke
Region General Manager
AFL South East
Last Modified on 31/03/2014 15:30