NTFA must make Next Gen a priority, says Blues boss

Making the ‘neglected’ under-18s competition a major priority has been highlighted as critical for the new-look NTFA by a club boss.

South Launceston won this year’s NTFA under-18s grand final. Picture: Linda Higginson

Launceston president Scott Stephens has highlighted rejuvenating a “neglected” under-18s system as a major priority for the NTFA, and has backed new boss Peter Gutwein as the right man to lead the next era.

Stephens said ensuring under-18 players are nurtured and made to feel like part of the club is vital, something Gutwein highlighted as a focus when speaking to this masthead early this month.

For the past few years the Blues and fellow former TSL heavyweight North Launceston have fielded teams in the STJFL under-18s, which forced players to make the round trip to Hobart each week to play.

The Bombers withdrew from the competition this year, and 11 teams have expressed interest in being part of the NTFA’s under-18 division in 2025.

‘Of the 11 teams, if you look through last year’s results there was probably three clubs consistently forfeiting or didn’t put a (full) team on the park,” Stephens said.

“Broadly speaking as the NTFA we need to continue to promote our under-18 compeititon, and that means them having prime timeslots.

“The under 18 comp has been badly neglected for the last ten years. The northern boys have had to travel to a Hobart competition just to get a game.

Launceston president Scott Stephens. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“They’re our future senior players and they need to be treated that way, and need to be playing prominent roles within our club as part of our game days.

“We want them to continue to play and be the next life members. But if they don’t make senior footy to be reserve graders, to be committee members or sponsors, that’s really important in community footy.

“That’s what keeps clubs alive and sustainable, it’s the model we need to continue to push. We need to put time and effort in the under-18s.

“We (Launceston and North Launceston) applied for the NTFA (under 18 competition) a number of years ago and got knocked back. Our boys have been on a bus from 4 or 5am for the last few years, just to get a game of footy in.

“It got to a point in time where it wasn’t sustainable any more

“We need to provide these kids with an opportunity to be a part of the club. When I say that, to play on the same day at the same venue and make it easy for them.”

Former premier Gutwein was installed as president after predecessor Damien Rhind stood aside.

Stephens believes his contacts can help him achieve his goal of making the NTFA Premier League the ‘best level in the state’.

“Pete’s going to bring some good exposure to the league just through his public profile,” Stephens said.

“He’s obviously strong in governance and should be able to assist us in some dealings with AFL Tas and the AFL, and what’s incoming with the AFL team.

“He sees the next four or five years for north Tasmania as critical. It’s important we put the foundations around our competition to make sure it does thrive and continue to grow, and get good exposure.

Peter Gutwein playing in last year’s Relive the Rivalry charity match. Picture: Linda Higginson

“He does have good connections in the political space, but also in the corporate sector when it comes to funding and sponsorship. He mentioned in the (annual general) meeting he’s spoken to a number of people interested in coming on the board, then we can hit the ground running.”

Launceston’s Windsor Park base is currently undergoing a near $2 million upgrade, which will improve the playing surface and installation of new lights.

For many years Windsor Park has become a mudpit after heavy mid-winter rain, which has affected the quality of games.

“It’s really exciting for our whole club to get that upgraded facility. Windsor Park has traditionally been one of the wetter grounds around July over the last 25 to 30 years,” Stephens said.

“The Baker Group has done a fanstastic job, well ahead of schedule. They seeded the ground about a week ago so we’re hopeful we’ll get on the ground a little sooner than anticipated, but we’ll wait on approval from the council to do that.

“A new set of lights for training and twilight games as well, to have all the teams playing at the ground on the same day is important for our sustainability and revenue.

“We’ve still got some challenges from a spectator pespective, it’s not the greatest venue to watch footy. We don’t have any undercover seating like most of the other venues, but we’ll keep working towards that.”

According to the Premier League’s draft roster the Blues won’t play a home game until May 31 after it begins on April 12 due to the works.

However, if it continues ahead of schedule the club will seek permission from the council and AFL Tasmania to play a home game earlier.