The 18 presidents of the Mid South Eastern football and netball clubs remain resolute in their determination their competition remains unchanged for 2024 and beyond.
Their latest joint meeting was at Mount Burr last week and it lasted for 90 minutes.
“All the football and netball clubs are committed to the status quo,” one club president told The SE Voice.
“We are happy with the current nine-club competition.”
In an exclusive report several weeks ago, The SE Voice published a statement signed by the 18 club presidents which said they were opposed to any change.
The Mid SE stance is at odds with the SANFL controlling body which has repeatedly stated its intention to enforce change on the region’s competitions in 2024.
Meanwhile, the SA Football Commission-appointed South East Working Group considering the future of football in the South East region is progressing, with models for competitions in the 2024 season and they will be considered this month.
SANFL Head of Country Football Shawn Ford said the working group was expected to be tabling models for the 2024 season with the sub-committees representing Leagues, Clubs and Juniors.
Ford said the SA Football Commission has previously endorsed a 15-team competition with the merger of the current Mid South Eastern and Western Border Leagues for the 2024 season.
“SANFL acknowledges there is a degree of uncertainty in the South East surrounding the future of football and netball in the region,” Ford said.
“However, the proposed 15 team model was the preferred option endorsed by the SA Football Commission and remains a focus for the working group.
“This will be implemented for the 2024 season if an alternative model is not agreed upon by the working group and the associated sub-committees.
“The working group is committed to achieving a sustainable outcome for football and netball in the South East region with all leagues represented.
“The group has already commissioned work on a strategic plan to ensure the success of the entire South East region moving forward.”
The formation of the working group followed a comprehensive review of South East competition structures undertaken last year and a commitment to change.
As endorsed by the SA Football Commission in October, a decision was made to form the working group and commence league structural reviews with change to take place for the 2024 season.
