Bridgewater Callington, Ironbank Cherry Gardens toss up merger for Hills Football League season 2023

Two local SA footy clubs – both which formed from other mergers – are close to merging for season 2023 to guarantee a long-term future.

Two Hills Football League clubs could be set to merge ahead of season 2023 as they attempt to remain sustainable in the long-term.

The Bridgewater-Callington Raiders and Ironbank-Cherry Gardens Thunderers – two clubs that have already been through amalgamations and are merged at U14-U18 level – are set to explore the possibility of joining forces and staying in division one of the competition.

Bridgewater Callington held a meeting between members and committee last Thursday to discuss the possibility and posted a statement to fans this morning explaining the reasons for the decision, including long-term viability on and off the field.

“The group came to a strong majority consensus that the best current option for our club is to seek a merger with the Ironbank Cherry Gardens Football Club and remain in division one for 2023,” it said.

“This would enable the already successful IronRaiders colts teams to continue in their current structure and to provide the necessary two senior teams and three colts teams for division one.

“It would also facilitate depth in the senior playing squad, depth for volunteer roles, and provide for a sustainable community football club in the longer term – the decision had nothing to do with the current finances of our club which are sound.”

Bridgewater Callington and Ironbank Cherry Gardens compete in a past Hills Football League game. The two clubs could merge ahead of season 2023. Picture: Bridgewater Callington Football Club, Ang Nelson

The Raiders also reiterated nothing had been set in stone and the junior football structure of the club would not change.

“At this stage, the merger is not definite and no decisions have been made about the name of a merged club, jumper design, song and where games will be played. These decisions are for the members of both clubs to make following recommendations by a joint subcommittee and working group.

“U8s to U12s football, Auskick and IronRaiders will continue unaffected at Bridgewater in their current format.

“If successful, the merger should be viewed as a positive and proactive initiative for junior and senior men’s and women’s football in the rapidly changing landscape of community football.”

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