BREAKING: The Heathcote District Football Netball League (HDFNL) has just announced the launch of its inaugural under-15 competition, set to kick off in 2026. This exciting development will feature an anticipated six teams, revolutionizing youth football in the region.
At the HDFNL’s annual general meeting on Wednesday night, officials confirmed this pivotal addition, which has been in the works for several years. The under-15 category will provide a crucial stepping stone for young athletes, fostering talent and enhancing community engagement.
The decision comes after the previous rejection by the AFL Central Victoria commission in 2023, but following fruitful discussions with both the AFLCV regional council and the Bendigo Junior Football League, the proposal gained approval.
Clubs including Heathcote, Leitchville-Gunbower, Lockington-Bamawm United, Mount Pleasant, and North Bendigo are expected to compete, alongside a combined team from Elmore and Colbinabbin, named Runnymede. However, Huntly and White Hills have indicated they are unlikely to participate in the first year due to player numbers.
“This addition strengthens the entire development pathway for young players while helping clubs identify and nurture talent earlier,” stated the HDFNL. The league emphasizes that an under-15 tier boosts participation and supports long-term sustainability, ensuring a steady flow of well-prepared athletes into senior football.
HDFNL chairman Rod Stephens expressed excitement over the announcement, highlighting the essential role of the new competition for the league’s future. “A lot of work has gone into this, so it’s very exciting for the league,” he said.
The response from local clubs has been overwhelmingly positive. Colbinabbin president Tim Hill noted that the under-15 category will help bridge the gap between junior and senior teams, saying, “With the under-15s, we’ll have a team between Colbinabbin and Elmore playing as Runnymede, and we think that will work well.”
Similarly, Leitchville-Gunbower president Matt Hawken labeled the move a “game changer,” mentioning that it could help attract back families who had drifted away from the club in recent years. “Our families are really happy with this,” he said, stressing the convenience of having youth sports consolidated to minimize travel for families.
The introduction of the under-15 competition means the HDFNL now boasts both under-15 and under-18 categories, complementing its open-age reserves and senior divisions. This expansion reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the youth football experience and build stronger community ties.
However, not all clubs are ready to participate immediately. Huntly’s president Matt Jeffries mentioned that while they support the initiative, they currently lack sufficient players. “We probably won’t field a team because we just don’t quite have enough kids,” he stated, although he remains optimistic about future involvement.
White Hills will also likely sit out the first year, according to new president Matt Sawyer, due to eligibility concerns regarding player participation in multiple competitions. “We would like to be part of it, but until the rules change regarding over-qualification for finals, we won’t be able to join,” he explained.
As the HDFNL prepares for the upcoming season, the introduction of the under-15 competition marks a significant step forward in youth football, with 11 grades of football and netball to be played in the league next year. Football enthusiasts can look forward to an enriched sporting experience that not only nurtures young athletes but also enhances community spirit across the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as the HDFNL gears up for this groundbreaking addition to its league structure!
