The newly-formed Limestone Coast Football Netball League (LCFNL) has announced a significant partnership with Bendigo Bank and new details about the competition structure for season 2024.
The three-year naming rights partnership will see Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank Mount Gambier & District branch continue its longstanding association with football and netball in the region until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Bendigo Bank LCFNL interim chairperson Scott Duncan said the league was thrilled to have such a respected and trusted national brand as Bendigo Bank support a new era of football in the South East.
“Bendigo Bank has been a proud and committed sponsor of the Western Border Football League for many years and has made a tremendous contribution to the strength of country football in the Lower South East,” Mr Duncan said.
“To have Bendigo Bank continue its support of the new league is a tremendous boost for sport in the region – it certainly stands footy and netball in the Limestone Coast region in great stead for the future.”
The formation of the Bendigo Bank LCFNL to replace Western Border Football League was announced by the SANFL in October after the SA Football Commission endorsed final recommendations from the South East Working Group regarding structural changes to football in the region.
Mr Duncan said there was an interim executive overseeing the establishment of the new league which included former WBFL President Michael Summers, with a permanent executive team to be appointed in early 2024.
He confirmed the league’s new football structure would see the continuation of five under-12 mixed non-premiership grades, starting from under-8s, to encourage participation and assist with junior development.
Under-14.5, under-17.5, Reserves and Seniors would closely align with Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara and Mid South Eastern football leagues. Clubs also were encouraged to consider additional teams in under-14.5 and under-17.5 competitions to ensure greater player development and increased senior participation in the region.
Netball competition divisions would comprise 11 & under; 13 & under (A & B grade), 15 & Under (A & B grade); 17 & Under; Senior A, A Reserve, B and C grades.
“Already a huge amount of work has been done to ensure we are well prepared for an exciting season 2024 and deliver competitions which ultimately grow participation and ensure a pathway from junior to senior level,” Mr Duncan said.
