League Statement | Memorandum of Understanding signals shared ambition to create a single league, with a target launch from 2028

The Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) and Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to explore merging their competitions into a single, unified league spanning football and netball across Melbourne’s eastern region.

The agreement marks the first formal step toward establishing a long-term, sustainable and inclusive community sporting model for the region, designed to strengthen community connections, expand participation at every level, and create clearer pathways for players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.

Paul Barlow, EFNL Chair:
“This is a rare opportunity to build something stronger for community football and netball across Melbourne’s east. By coming together, we can protect what makes our clubs special while creating a more sustainable competition for the players, coaches, umpires and volunteers who give so much to local sport.”

Mark Sargent, OEFN Chair:
“Our clubs are the heart of their communities, and they deserve a competition built to last. A unified league enables us align pathways, share resources and invest in the future of the game, from juniors through to our veterans, while driving participation growth and creating more opportunities for men, women, boys and girls across football, netball and umpiring.”

Through this collaboration, EFNL and OEFN aim to:
• Deliver a whole-of-life participation model spanning junior through to senior and veteran’s competitions for football, netball and umpiring
• Improve sustainability of clubs and the broader competition, both financially and operationally
• Foster inclusive, safe and welcoming environments, with a strong focus on accessibility and gender equity
• Align development pathways and invest in talent across football, netball, coaching and officiating
• Establish transparent, effective governance that supports all affiliated clubs

Click here to read the full statement