Zac Hedin • October 8, 2024
AFLNEB Regional Facilities Strategy
To grow and sustain football and netball in its heartland, the AFL North East Border (AFL NEB) region requires a coordinated approach to enhance the quality and inclusivity of its facilities by 2034.
The Regional Football and Netball Facilities Strategy aims to identify AFL NEB’s future needs through evidence-based insights and extensive stakeholder engagement.
The Strategy’s objectives will deliver more welcoming, fit for purpose and accessible environments for football and netball over the next 10 years.
AFL NEB supports all formats of football and netball – from grassroots and introductory programs, female football and flexible participation opportunities across its many facilities.
As evidenced within this report the condition of the region’s infrastructure falls significantly behind the rest of Victoria, which limits what AFL NEB
can achieve. AFL North East Border is falling below the Victorian average for facility condition and compliance. This extends to playing surfaces, sports lighting and player and umpire change rooms.
Alongside poorer facility provision, the region also faces macro challenges including a changing and aging population and volunteer stress and decline.
The Regional Football and Netball Facilities Strategy presents a framework to deliver infrastructure improvements that are both aspirational and achievable, and to help AFL and Netball Victoria reach their national and statewide goals.
Whilst the Strategy will predominantly focus on infrastructure outcomes, game development initiatives will also be highlighted to support and justify decision making and assist facility activation.
The Strategy has been developed by AFL Victoria in consultation with AFL NSW/ACT, Netball Victoria, all region Local Government Authorities (LGAs), Football and Netball Leagues, NSW and Victorian Governments and Sport North East. AFL NEB will rely on the support of these stakeholders in the delivery of the Strategy’s recommendations.
The Strategy includes club-based netball participation and facilities only. It does not include association-based netball.
To view the full strategy please follow the link HERE.
2024 saw the launch of the AFL North East Border Volunteer Recognition Program, proudly supported by one of our long standing partners, APCO! The program recognised 20 volunteers across the region each week throughout the footy season and will do the same once again in 2025. The categories include - Club Volunteer Umpire/Club Umpire Junior/Youth Coach Auskick Coordinator/Volunteer Clubs are welcome to nominate one of their hard working volunteers throughout the year, and if they are selected they will receive a $50 APCO voucher to use in an APCO store near you. Nominations can be submitted by clicking on the following link - VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION NOMINATION FORM
Two local football netball clubs are set to receive a funding boost to upgrade their lighting infrastructure through the Country Football Netball funding program! The Milawa Football Netball Club who compete in the Ovens & King FNL and Barnawartha Football Netball Club competing in the Tallangatta & District Football League will both receive funding through the Country Football Netball Program which through a partnership between the Victorian Government, AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria aims to support county football and netball clubs infrastructure improvements and developments. A total of 7 clubs across Victoria received funding in this round, and with two clubs successful in the North East it is a great outcome for football in the region and both clubs should be congratulated for the work they have put in to be successful! We look forward to seeing these projects come to life! For more information on the program and other success applicants please click here - https://play.afl/victoria/news/funding-boost-country-football-facilities?fbclid=IwY2xjawIx1hdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYxTMXDPhmQhLOMmUjo6YAkpXU-dFqKLUzVdYIegdiFK2xGe-yf-PgwBiA_aem_EdgEJ5XDtkeJH8VGU35rfA
