The WorkSafe VCFL and the SACFL have announced a joint review into football in and around the southern border region for 2012.

The WorkSafe Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) board met on Monday 3rd October and has committed to the VCFL partnering the South Australian Community Football League (SACFL) in a joint review of community football league structures on and around the southern part of the shared South Australian and Victorian border.

"As a result of requested club movement in this region over recent years, along with a written request from the Western Border Football League (WBFL), followed by support from the Hampden Football League for such a review, the VCFL and the SACFL have agreed that this project is integral to the long term health of clubs and the game in this part of Australia" said Steven Reaper, CEO of the VCFL.

The review will take place throughout the 2012 season and will consult with all potentially affected leagues and clubs from April 2012. The review panel will develop a report on the optimal structure of football competitions in South West Victoria and South East South Australia for season 2013 and beyond.

This report will feature an assessment on what structure will best meet the AFL Game Development Participation objective regarding best possible pathways from AFL Auskick to open age football that maximise participation and club sustainability.

Although the review will have a major focus on the WBFL the panel will seek input from all key stakeholders as well as adjoining Leagues in Victoria and South Australia, their clubs and umpiring groups in this region during the process.

Mr. Glen Rosser, Community Football Manager for the South Australian Community Football League, said "The SACFL and the VCFL are currently working on a detailed project plan for this review, and this will be released in due course to all stakeholders in the region. The joint panel will, in addition to face to face consultations, give all stakeholders the chance to comment on a draft report to be released by the panel in July/August 2012 with a final report to be completed and released in September 2012"

Enquiries should be directed to the VCFL South West Area Manager, Mr. Brett Anderson on (03) 5334 4277, or to the SACFL Community Football Manager Mr. Glen Rosser on (08) 08 8424 2212.

Article first appeared www.vcfl.com.au 04 October, 2011