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READ MORE - No rush for decision on 2020 season: BFNL
AFL Central Victoria is committed to ensuring junior players from the region's cancelled leagues won't miss out on the opportunity of playing some football and netball this year - provided restrictions allow.
Three of the region's senior football-netball leagues have abandoned their 2020 seasons - Heathcote District, Loddon Valley and North Central.
While there are no official plans to be yet announced, an option AFLCV is considering is adding an under-18 age group to the Bendigo Junior Football League that would cater for Heathcote District and Loddon Valley league teams.
"AFLCV is looking at running some football and netball opportunities for those leagues that have already cancelled so that there is still an opportunity for sport to be played," AFLCV regional manager Carol Cathcart said on Friday.
"We have nothing formal yet, but certainly, we're looking at a competition for the district clubs that want to play, and we're looking at running some netball as well. So it's certainly something we are working towards."
The Loddon Valley's under-age football is under-18s, while Heathcote District remains under-17s, despite the topic of it being lifted to under-18s being regularly on the league's agenda.
Cathcart says AFLCV will also work with the North Central league on a proposal that would work best for it given its geographical placement in the region.
The North Central has under-16 and under-13 junior football and netball competitions, as well as hockey.
"We would be wanting to work with North Central about what would be best for them, whether that's involvement down here or running separately to reduce their travel," Cathcart said.
Netball-wise Cathcart indicated the most likely option for a competition that could feature a blend of Heathcote District and Loddon Valley teams is under-15 and 17 age groups, while there could also be the prospect of an open grade as well.
"We think it's really important that we give everybody the opportunity to participate in sport when it's safe to do so... that's our goal, but we need to do it when we can and within the required protocols," Cathcart said.
"We're mindful that it's very easy for people to drop out of sport, so we want to make sure we give every opportunity for them to play and keep them in the habit for their health and wellbeing, teamwork and leadership that sport offers.
We think it's really important that we give everybody the opportunity to participate in sport when it's safe to do so... that's our goal, but we need to do it when we can and within the required protocols
- Carol Cathcart - AFLCV regional manager
"As far as junior netball, we'd look to offer something in the 15s and 17s, which both the Heathcote District and Loddon Valley have, and potentially some open divisions as well.
"If there's an appetite for people to play we'll look at providing the opportunity when we can."
Cathcart also hinted at the prospect of possibly some form of open-age competition for cancelled football teams being run also.
"We'll have to wait and see with football and what occurs as to whether we can do it, but we certainly see there could be some possibility we could offer limited open football grades for people who just want to play."
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