Albury-Wodonga kids ready for change

This article first appeared in The Border Mail 30/11

By David Johnston

Albury-Wodonga Junior Football League has made the first major change to its structure since the introduction of the board of management two years ago.

The league will replace the Under-16, Under-14.5 and Under-13 competitions, which have existed since the late 2000s, with two divisions at Under-16 and Under-14 level next year.

An Under-12 competition will also be introduced next year.

The changes made by the league’s board were presented to clubs at the annual meeting on Wednesday night.

President Mark Sanson said the changes were designed to allow the competition to grow.

“We think the flexibility within the new structure will achieve that aim,” he said.

“The consultation period has been a long one.

“These decisions are not made lightly and are, in our opinion, in the best interests of the AWJFL.”

Sanson said the introduction of Under-12s would provide a smoother transition from Auskick into junior football.

This season there were more than 100 players eligible for Auskick who had already made the decision to play in the former under-13 competition.

“They are figures we couldn’t ignore,” Sanson said.

“The feedback we were getting is kids were ready to make the jump to structured junior football in a club environment once they were top-aged players in Auskick.”

Auskick centres, the VCFL and neighbouring leagues were all consulted before the changes were made.

“An overwhelming majority of clubs are supportive of the new structure,” Sanson said.

“A lot of them are already busily preparing next year.

“Some are indicating they could field teams in all five competitions.”

Game-day modifications for the Under-12s including a standard ground size and rules are being considered by the board.

Meanwhile, inaugural board member Jeff Chandler has resigned.

Chandler will be one of three junior development managers in the region.