Chris Febvre • July 14, 2020
Ovens & King Football Netball Season Cancelled
Ovens & King Football Netball Season Cancelled
The Ovens & King Football Netball League has announced their decision to cancel their football and netball competitions for season 2020 due to ongoing COVID-19 influences.
Following extensive consultation and communication with their clubs and other regional leagues, AFL North East Border and AFL Victoria throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board moved on Monday based on several influencing factors.
Recent feedback from clubs presented to the Board had an overwhelming desire for the future of the 2020 season to be determined immediately and cancelling the season was deemed the most appropriate action to ensure the long-term sustainability of their clubs and the league.
League Chairman Peter Byrne said “The OKFNL Board considered the health and safety of participants and the wider community and protecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Clubs have raised concerns of their exposure to financial risk that playing half a season would bring; the number of additional requirements for volunteers; the inability to effectively manage crowds to comply with current social distancing rules and crowd restrictions at venues and importantly, not wanting to play matches without their local community being able to attend without restriction” he said, “With current restrictions on a club’s ability to operate canteen, bar and catering services expected to continue and the health restrictions and hygiene expectations on wet areas including showers, it places obstacles in front of clubs to function sustainably.”
“With the ongoing uncertainty around a season being a major concern for clubs, the league believed that clubs needed and were seeking clarity; we have now been able to provide that”
Byrne said the OKFNL had conducted a lengthy and thorough consultation process with all its clubs and key stakeholders prior to making its decision and was committed to beginning 2021 with all its clubs in the strongest possible position to succeed in the long term.
“The OKFNL Board has maintained a view throughout this process that it must lead and supporting our clubs into the future as the most powerful thing we can do” Byrne said.
The OKFNL are committed to working closely with AFL North East Border and all member clubs to manage the associated issues relating to the cancellation of all football and netball competitions in 2020 and will now focus on supporting clubs towards a return to the fields and courts in 2021.
2024 saw the launch of the AFL North East Border Volunteer Recognition Program, proudly supported by one of our long standing partners, APCO! The program recognised 20 volunteers across the region each week throughout the footy season and will do the same once again in 2025. The categories include - Club Volunteer Umpire/Club Umpire Junior/Youth Coach Auskick Coordinator/Volunteer Clubs are welcome to nominate one of their hard working volunteers throughout the year, and if they are selected they will receive a $50 APCO voucher to use in an APCO store near you. Nominations can be submitted by clicking on the following link - VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION NOMINATION FORM
Two local football netball clubs are set to receive a funding boost to upgrade their lighting infrastructure through the Country Football Netball funding program! The Milawa Football Netball Club who compete in the Ovens & King FNL and Barnawartha Football Netball Club competing in the Tallangatta & District Football League will both receive funding through the Country Football Netball Program which through a partnership between the Victorian Government, AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria aims to support county football and netball clubs infrastructure improvements and developments. A total of 7 clubs across Victoria received funding in this round, and with two clubs successful in the North East it is a great outcome for football in the region and both clubs should be congratulated for the work they have put in to be successful! We look forward to seeing these projects come to life! For more information on the program and other success applicants please click here - https://play.afl/victoria/news/funding-boost-country-football-facilities?fbclid=IwY2xjawIx1hdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYxTMXDPhmQhLOMmUjo6YAkpXU-dFqKLUzVdYIegdiFK2xGe-yf-PgwBiA_aem_EdgEJ5XDtkeJH8VGU35rfA
2025 saw AFLNEB host there now annual Club Development Day which had a focus on upskilling those who are hands on during game days throughout the season! With over 45 attendees participating in three dynamic workshops - - Club Umpire Session, - Coaching Masterclass Session, and - Building Stronger Clubs Workshop - Our Community Club Leaders and dedicated Volunteers are now equipped with the resources and skills to tackle the upcoming season! Additionally, more than 25 Sports Trainers benefited from the Level 1 Sports Trainer Course, enhancing their expertise and readiness. Massive thank you to La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga for hosting us at their amazing campus! We wish all the clubs the best for the upcoming season and look forward to further supporting them with additional sessions throughout the year!
