Chris Febvre • February 4, 2021
Female Football League Returns for 2021
Female Football League Returns for 2021
The North East Border Female Football League (NEB FFL) and its member clubs are excited to be returning to the field in 2021.
Following a successful year in 2019, the season was cancelled for 2020 as the country navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. The year did present brief windows of opportunity for clubs to train and play practice games under State Government approved COVID-19 protocols, however the 2021 season will be the first time many players have competed in football since the 2019 season.
League Operations Manager, Matthew Elliott, said that after the challenges faced by community sport last year, it was great to see clubs preparing for the 2021 season.
“All of the clubs greatly missed playing football last year, so to see them start preseason training and welcome back their players is fantastic.
“Everyone is of course adjusting to life in the wake of the pandemic, although preparations for the season are well underway and we are looking forward to delivering a full season in 2021”.
The NEB FFL features competitions in three age groups, being U14’s, U17’s, and Open Women’s. The 2021 season will be the inaugural year for the U14 competition, with previous years consisting of an U16’s and Open Women’s format. With the introduction of the U14 competition, the league aims to provide greater opportunities for women and girls of all ages to play football in a safe and competitive environment.
In 2021, the league will feature eight clubs competing for the Premiership; Alpine Lions (based in Whorouly), Lavington Panthers, Murray Felines (based in Rutherglen), Thurgoona Bulldogs, Wangaratta Rovers, Wodonga Bulldogs, Wodonga Raiders and Yarrawonga Pigeons. The clubs boast several seasons competing in the league, however this year will mark the first time Wodonga Bulldogs have entered teams in the competition.
With clubs in the North East region commencing training as the new season approaches, Elliott encouraged any interested players to contact their local club and be involved.
“Our clubs are full of passionate and energetic people, who are committed to providing opportunities to women and girls of all ages and abilities to play football in a safe and welcoming environment.
“Whether you are an experienced player or completely new to football, each club is inclusive and coupled with their enthusiasm for growing the sport, everyone is welcome to enjoy playing football”.
Anybody interested in playing football is encouraged to contact their local club directly or contact Matthew Elliott at AFL North East Border on (02) 6056 1993 for more information.
The 2021 season is due to commence on Sunday 11th April.
Clubs
Alpine Lions: Rajanna Costenaro – 0429 857 876
Lavington Panthers: Scott Curphey – 0417 781 707
Murray Felines: Nadine Nicholson – 0433 782 646
Thurgoona Bulldogs: Chloe Beck – 0482 888 232
Wangaratta Rovers: Rick Marklew – 0409 430 749
Wodonga Bulldogs: Kathryn Dalton – 0418 699 853
Wodonga Raiders: Skye Burgess – 0411 572 741
Yarrawonga Pigeons: Sheree Spiteri – 0418 514 710
This pre season Nines is coming to the OKFNL. A great opportunity for OKFNL clubs to connect with local junior footballers and introduce them to their club ahead of the 2026 season. Local OKFNL clubs can enter teams of 9-12 players, with prizes and giveaways for clubs who attract the most junior footballers, most registrations across teams and team spirit on the day! When - Sunday 16th of November Where - Wareena Park, Wangaratta Time - 10am to 4pm Cost - $350 per team (approx $35 per player) Ages - 16+ For more information on Nines you can check out all the details here - https://play.afl/play/afl-nines To enter a team or find out more please contact Daniel Saville (OKFNL Ops Manager) - okfnloperations@gmail.com
The 2025 North East Border V Line Cup teams have been selected, with Division One and Two boys teams and the girls teams preparing to compete in Ballarat. AFL North East Border would like to thank all the coaches and support staff who have been working tirelessly over the past two months preparing the squads to compete at the carnival in Ballarat on the 23rd and 24th of September. The NEB teams will compete against the Goulburn Murray teams on Tuesday the 23rd at Mars Stadium, before taking on the Greater Western Victoria teams on Wednesday 24th at City Oval. Please check out the AFLNEB Facebook and Instagram pages to follow the action!
Ben has been involved with the local Wangaratta Auskick centre for five years and the coordinator for four of those, the exciting announcement was announced at the allocation night for Auskickers graduating to the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League in front of local Auskickers, parents and local WDJFL Clubs. The prize for the award is a grand final weekend experience including three nights' accommodation in Melbourne, a ticket to the Welcome to Melbourne function, attendance at the grand final parade, and a reserve seat ticket to the 27 September grand final. Over his time, Ben has secured significant sponsorship for the program; has initiated the all-girls' group; provides a support network for smaller centres across Wangaratta and surrounding regions; contributes to community events like allocation night and puts in a heap of extra work with the allocation process; organises half-time Auskick games at local football league matches; and, of course, the countless hours spent organising jumpers, certificates, equipment and everything in between, year after year. Wangaratta is regularly one of the biggest centres in the state, if not the nation, and this year was the biggest in Victoria. That, as you can imagine, makes it almost a full-time commitment, year-round. A huge congratulations to Ben from everyone at AFLNEB!
