Youth footy kicks off

By Glen Atwell
SOUTHERN Football League has unveiled a new under-18s competition that will kick into action next season.
Local teams believe adding a junior competition would secure the future of many proud clubs currently struggling for on-field numbers.
However the under-18 division won’t require each and every SFL club to field a side.
The league has grouped neighbouring clubs into threes and each group is responsible for fielding a single side.
For example, Doveton Eagles, Dandenong Demons and Parkmore Pirates could be combined to form a single under-18s team.
The grouping strategy means 12 teams from all three SFL divisions will form the ‘super under-18s’ competition.
SFL executive manager Bob Caine said the league had received a very positive response to the information pack it recently sent clubs.
“We’re currently receiving feedback from the clubs on the proposed competition, but things are looking good,” he said.
Mr Caine said the competition would help feed senior sides with future stars.
“Putting juniors underneath the seniors will definitely boost the strength of clubs and open up a number of pathways,” he said.
Some clubs have even requested they be allowed to field a stand-alone team.
“The larger clubs could have the opportunity to enter a single team into the competition, instead of being grouped with neighbouring clubs,” he said.
But there is still plenty of work to be done before the new competition kicks off, according to some SFL clubs.
Lyndale Pumas coach Danny Scott said the idea was a great one, but the league had to iron out all the possible problems.
“It’s a good idea, don’t get me wrong, but whenever clubs are grouped together, problems can occur,” he said.
“Players might want to play at particular clubs, how is the league is going to make sure the clubs get an even share of talent?”
Parkmore Pirates’ football manager Mike Smythe said an under-18 competition would provide a big boost to club numbers.
“It’s a sensational idea, we’re generating a lot of interest at the moment and having a combined 18s competition makes sense,” he said.
Just how the SFL will group together clubs is the main concern of many.
Should the groups comprise a club from each of the SFL’s three divisions, or will the combined teams be zoned purely on geographical location?
Mr Caine said the league would listen to clubs.
“We’ve started the process very early, to give us time to sort those issues out,” he said.
The Star would like to know what readers think.
Email comments to dandysport@-starnewsgroup.com.au.