History in the making – new Limestone Coast Football Netball League ready for inaugural season
The Limestone Coast’s new football and netball league is set for its inaugural season, with a huge buzz ahead of the first kick-off.
Mount Gambier
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The Limestone Coast’s new football and netball league is days away from kicking off its inaugural season.
Representatives from all clubs as well as board and committee members gathered to celebrate the launch of the new Limestone Coast Football and Netball League (LCFNL) and impending start of the season on Wednesday.
Formalities were led by the league’s interim committee chair Scott Duncan with SANFL Head of Community Football Shawn Ford revealing the league’s new executive committee.
Mr Duncan said the launch was “a really successful and good night” that all attendees are looking forward to the start of the season.
The LCFNL’s inaugural season will start on April 20; the league is currently a six-club competition, hosting football and netball matches across multiple divisions for the clubs of North Gambier, South Gambier, East Gambier, West Gambier, Millicent and Casterton-Sandford.
On Monday it was announced the Penola Football and Netball Club will depart its current league at the end of 2024 and join the LCFNL for its second season in 2025.
The LCFNL replaces the now-defunct Western Border Football League, which formed in the 1960s.
Originally the WBFL was a 12-club competition but over the years several Victoria-based clubs reverted to Victorian leagues, leaving just the four Mount Gambier clubs, Millicent and Casterton-Sandford.
“The establishment of the Limestone Coast Football Netball League reflects an evolution driven by population dynamics and participation trends while also aligning to a popular SA tourism destination,” Mr Ford said.
“Mount Gambier, South Australia’s largest population centre outside of Adelaide, highlighted the necessity for a strong presence in football and netball.
“Maintaining a dedicated league in the lower South-East became imperative to sustain and foster growth opportunities.”
Both Mr Ford and Mr Duncan said the creation of the new league allowed the clubs and committees involved to establish a new, successful program from scratch, unencumbered by past decisions, providing clubs and the league with the opportunity to reinvent themselves and appeal to both new and old participants.
Mr Ford said “while leagues and clubs universally face the challenge of adaptation, the LCFNL embarks on this journey anew, with clubs positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the league’s success.”
“The debut season of the 2024 LCFNL marks a milestone in setting fresh expectations and enticing the forthcoming generation of participants.
“With clubs united in their vision, the region is abuzz with energy, sparking a level of enthusiasm for the league unprecedented in community football (and netball) over the past decade.”
Both Mr Duncan and Mr Ford said the vibe at Wednesday night’s launch was exceptionally positive and excited.
“Clubs are currently experiencing an unprecedented level of excitement. There’s a palpable sense of anticipation among players and officials at both club and league levels, as everyone eagerly awaits what lies ahead,” Mr Ford said.
“The addition of Penola to the league, coupled with impressive trial game performances, the success of Gather Round, and the return of members who have been absent for several years, has injected renewed enthusiasm and energy into the clubs. This was evident at the season launch on Wednesday night.
“I extend my congratulations to the clubs for their commendable willingness to adapt to current environments, ensuring the future sustainability of their football and netball clubs.”
Mr Ford said himself and the SANFL thanked the LCFNL clubs, player, officials, and members for their patience as the organisation navigated through the necessary process to facilitate the required changes.
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