Three of the Goulburn Murray’s junior football and netball leagues are no more, with a merger taking place in preparation for the 2022 season.
The new league will be named the Goulburn Murray Junior League (GMJL) and is a combination of the Shepparton District Junior Football League, the Seymour District Junior Football and Netball League and the Goulburn Campaspe Junior Football League.
This significant change follows the recommendations of AFL Goulburn Murray’s Junior Football Future Directions Project, which was completed in 2018.
It will bring all three junior leagues under a single governance structure, with GMJL Advisory Group member Mark Lambourn saying an environment where fun and development is the primary focus was the desired outcome.
“A major motivating factor behind the implementation of the merging of the three leagues was the genuine concern over the lack of competitive balance across the three junior competitions,” Lambourn said.
With the three leagues combining, three new divisions will be developed, with less of a focus on winning and more of a focus on competitiveness.
Each league will take part in a shared vision, with an understanding of competition balance, participation outcomes and club sustainability all at the heart of the new structure.
Junior operations manager Emma O’Shaughnessy said the change was all about creating an inclusive environment.
“The league will focus on ensuring football and netball continue to be fun, engaging and an inclusive environment for all players,” O’Shaughnessy said.
After four years of development, AFL Goulburn Murray believes this change will help with both the development and retention of players.