INFORMATION regarding the structure of the newly-formed Limestone Coast Football Netball League (LCFNL) has been revealed.
The most notable changes are within the junior ranks, which have steered away from the previous structure of the replaced Western Border Football and Netball League.
A format similar to that of the other South East competitions has been adopted, to bring the age brackets more in line.
LCFNL interim chairperson Scott Duncan confirmed the league’s new football structure would see the continuation of five Under 12 mixed non-premiership grades, starting from Under 8’s, to encourage participation and assist with junior development.
Under 14.5, Under 17.5, Reserves and Senior grades would closely align with the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara and Mid South Eastern football leagues.
Clubs are also encouraged to consider additional teams in the Under 14.5 and Under 17.5 competitions to ensure greater player development and increased senior participation in the region.
Netball competition divisions would comprise of an 11 and Under, 13 and Under (A and B Grade), 15 and Under (A and B grade) and 17 and Under junior grades, along with A, A Reserve, B and C Grades in the senior competition.
This news accompanies the announcement of the LCFNL’s major sponsor for its inaugural season.
Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank Mount Gambier and District branch will continue its longstanding association with football and netball in the region, signing on for a three-year naming rights partnership.
That will have them on board until at least the end of the 2026 season.
LCFNL interim chairperson Scott Duncan said the league was thrilled to have such a respected and trusted national brand as Bendigo Bank support a new era of football in the South East.
“Bendigo Bank has been a proud and committed sponsor of the Western Border Football League for many years and has made a tremendous contribution to the strength of country football in the lower south east,” Duncan said.
“To have Bendigo Bank continue its support of the new league is a tremendous boost for sport in the region – it certainly stands footy and netball in the Limestone Coast region in great stead for the future.”
The formation of the Bendigo Bank LCFNL to replace the Western Border Football League was announced by the SANFL in October after the SA Football Commission endorsed final recommendations from the South East Working Group regarding structural changes to football in the region.
Duncan said there was an interim executive overseeing the establishment of the new league which included former WBFL president Michael Summers, with a permanent executive team to be appointed in early 2024.
“Already a huge amount of work has been done to ensure we are well prepared for an exciting season 2024 and deliver competitions which ultimately grow participation and ensure a pathway from junior to senior level,” Duncan said.
