Titled "I'm Committed", the campaign is designed to encourage all football and netball players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and sponsors to return and connect to their community club in 2021.

After the 2020 season was ruined by COVID-19, AFLCV has jumped on the front foot in a bid to ensure clubs have enough players, volunteers and sponsors when football and netball returns next year.

"People have had a year where they haven't been involved with a community club,'' AFLCV regional general manager Carol Cathcart said.

"Some people would have really missed it and they'll come back, but there'll be a group that have got out of the habit and have maybe done something else.

"Our clubs need the players and they need the volunteers. We're really making a concerted effort to get everyone back. Even if we can't get new people involved we need that retention of our past players and volunteers.

"We're not going to know until next year (the effect of COVID-19), and we always have a drop-off with kids at certain ages, so a year off might exacerbate it."

Importantly, for all leagues across the region, major sponsor Bendigo Bank has re-signed for 2021.

"This year has shown us, more than ever, the importance of community and the impact that community has on the health and wellbeing of its people,'' state manager of Bendigo Bank Justine Minne said.

"At Bendigo Bank, we value this above all else which is why we are committed to making sure AFLCV's Leagues, clubs, players, coaches and volunteers all reconnect in the 2021 season and get back to playing the games that we all love."

Hierarchies of AFLCV, BFNL, HDFNL, LVFNL, BJFL, NCFL and Bendigo umpires started the campaign by declaring their commitment for next year.

Nicholas Rolfe, AFLCV Commission chair: "Our commission and staff have been working hard to ensure the opportunity to play and watch football and netball in Regional Victoria is available and at its strongest. We want that first whistle, that first bounce, to happen for the social, emotional and physical value for all in our region. This will be a great day for country football and netball."

Carol McKinstry, BFNL chair: "Looking towards 2021, the BFNL board has commenced planning and we are committed to assisting clubs, officials, players and supporters to once again enjoy the benefits of being involved in our league. Bring on 2021!"

John Hewitt, BJFL secretary: "After disappointingly playing for just two weeks in season 2020, junior footballers will be jumping out of their skins to make amends and get back to reality in 2021 - let's break all registration records with our commitment."

Peter Cole, HDFNL chair: "Whether you are 14 or 40 or 16 to 60, the HDFNL needs you in 2021. Get involved with your local club as a player or volunteer, get out of the house off the computer and get involved with your local HDFNL Community Club. They will welcome you with open arms and you will love it."

Simon Tuohey, LVFNL chair: "Our clubs have realised the importance they play not only on the ground, but off the ground for our community of Loddon Valley clubs. We can't wait to get back and we are committed to make this happen."

Tim Lockhart, NCFL chair and Susie Lockhart, NCNA president: "The spirit that is brought to life through football, netball and hockey in our teams is amazing. We want all locals to commit to create one of the best seasons ever in 2021."

Craig Findlay, BUA chair: "The BUA and its members are committed to being a part of our great game as field, boundary and goal umpires all across Central Victoria. We didn't know how much we missed it, until it was gone. Looking forward to 2021."

AFLCV will release further aspects of the campaign in the next few weeks.

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