The Regional Football and Netball Facilities Strategy aims to identify AFL NEB’s future needs through evidence-based insights and extensive stakeholder engagement. The Strategy’s objectives will deliver more welcoming, fit for purpose and accessible environments for football and netball over the next 10 years. AFL NEB supports all formats of football and netball – from grassroots and introductory programs, female football and flexible participation opportunities across its many facilities. As evidenced within this report the condition of the region’s infrastructure falls significantly behind the rest of Victoria, which limits what AFL NEB can achieve. AFL North East Border is falling below the Victorian average for facility condition and compliance. This extends to playing surfaces, sports lighting and player and umpire change rooms. Alongside poorer facility provision, the region also faces macro challenges including a changing and aging population and volunteer stress and decline. The Regional Football and Netball Facilities Strategy presents a framework to deliver infrastructure improvements that are both aspirational and achievable, and to help AFL and Netball Victoria reach their national and statewide goals. Whilst the Strategy will predominantly focus on infrastructure outcomes, game development initiatives will also be highlighted to support and justify decision making and assist facility activation. The Strategy has been developed by AFL Victoria in consultation with AFL NSW/ACT, Netball Victoria, all region Local Government Authorities (LGAs), Football and Netball Leagues, NSW and Victorian Governments and Sport North East. AFL NEB will rely on the support of these stakeholders in the delivery of the Strategy’s recommendations. The Strategy includes club-based netball participation and facilities only. It does not include association-based netball. To view the full strategy please follow the link HERE .