SFL boss Russell Young says his clubs work hard for the money, and TSL clubs should too

SFL president Russell Young says Tasmanian football needs a complete review before clubs put out their hands to ask for more money.

SFL president Russell Young. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

• Spartans crash to first loss of SBL season
• Amazing Grace prays for another TSLW premiership for Roos

THE SFL has lashed out at its TSL cousins labelling them “arrogant” and “out of touch” after calls for more money for State League clubs in the changeover of administration at AFL Tasmania.

SFL boss Russell Young said TSL clubs should not be asking football’s governing body for a funding boost to draw players into their competition.

“I believe the comments from the TSL clubs for more money from AFL Tasmania shows how out of touch the TSL clubs have become, especially in the current environment,” Young said.

“Employees of AFL Tasmania have this week lost their jobs and for some TSL clubs to suggest they require more funding to allow them to entice players away from the lower level competitions shows how arrogant some clubs have become.”

Young said the TSL clubs were already substantially-funded by AFL Tasmania to compete in the top-level seven-team league.

“If they believe they require additional funding I’d suggest they do what every community and junior competitions have to do and work hard to find other revenue streams,” Young said.

“I strongly believe the football structure across the state needs to be reset.

“We need to review all competitions over the next 12 months on how we can improve the current model.

“Too many young players are giving the game away and this forces clubs to pay players to field a side.

“This is not financially viable long term, adding more pressure on clubs to survive.”

Focus was needed on grassroots football as well as the elite talent programs, which hog the spotlight.

“Football in this state has been sacrificed because of the emphasis on talent and talent pathways and this approach has forgotten that 80 per cent of young players just want the opportunity to play and enjoy the game with their mates,” Young said.

“The SFL and SFLW competitions allow them to do this.

“I support all players having the opportunity to play at the highest level but not by pushing other players away from the game.”