FOOTBALL administration in and around Ballarat will get a distinct regional flavour under a restructure of country football across Victoria.
The Victorian Country Football League board yesterday announced it will support the proposed reforms tabled as part of the AFL’s Review of Football in Country Victoria, following consideration of the recommendations and consultation with affiliates and other stakeholders.
The review focused on all aspects of football in country Victoria, and its findings were handed down in October 2011.
They included the proposed integration of the VCFL and AFL Victoria structures, and the introduction of Region Commissions among 25 recommendations.
A total of 13 commissions will be set up after November 1 this year to make decisions in the best interests of football for each region.
The establishment of a nine-person Community Football Board has also been recommended.
It will be comprised of three country members to be nominated by the VCFL board – and three metropolitan members – flagged by metro leagues.
The other three members will be nominated by AFL Victoria.
The purpose of the Community Football Board will be to represent the best interests of community football to AFL Victoria and provide leadership and direction with growth strategies and priorities for community football.
AFL International and National Game Development Manager Andrew Dillon said the AFL is pleased with the outcome of the proposed model.
The reforms will see an extra 18-full time resources based in country areas to service VCFL affiliates, and the reassignment of 12 existing AFL Victoria resources to start servicing VCFL affiliates.
This equates to an extra 30 full-time resources now working to service country football affiliates to ensure strong, sustainable clubs and the general growth of football in country Victoria.