Hills Football League club Ironbank Cherry Gardens votes in favour of Bridgewater Callington merger
Two local footy clubs - both which formed from other mergers - are a step closer to merging for season 2023, with an ultimate decision to be made in the coming days.
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Two Hills Football League clubs have taken a step closer to merging ahead of season 2023 after a member and player vote on Tuesday night.
Ironbank Cherry Gardens Thunderers officially decided it would opt to merge with Bridgewater Callington Raiders this week, a month after the Raiders announced they would explore the possibility in order to promise a more sustainable future for both sides.
“The members of our footy club voted on the motion to join with Bridgewater Callington for the 2023 season under the terms of a memorandum of understanding prepared by our sub committee,” an Ironbank Cherry Gardens spokesperson said.
“All members and players who were present voted unanimously to the motion.”
“This Sunday the Bridgewater Callington Footy Club members will have their vote.”
The two clubs have previously merged below senior level, with junior and senior colts amalgamating to establish the ‘IronRaiders.’
A Bridgewater Callington spokesperson said the club’s committee had initially decided to pursue a merger at senior level to assist in growing squad depth and volunteer numbers.
“It 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,” they said.
“It would also facilitate depth in the senior playing squad, for volunteer roles, and provide for a sustainable community football club in the long term - the decision had nothing to do with the current finances of our club which are sound.”
Bridgewater Callington members and players will vote for or against the merger this coming Sunday.
If successful, the merger and new club will need to be approved by the Hills Football League prior to the start of the 2023 season.
The Hills Football League was contacted for comment.
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