Local footy looks towards 2030

AFL BARWON and G21 are inviting feedback on a draft strategy for local football in the region.

The Towards 2030: Strategy document has been developed by the five councils within the G21 region in partnership with AFL Barwon to guide planning and development of both football and netball over the next decade.

Due to the success and growth in football and netball across the G21 region, AFL Barwon, Netball Victoria, AFL Victoria and the G21 councils have undertaken a refresh of the initial G21 and AFL Barwon Regional Strategy in 2015, with the new Towards 2030: Strategy realigning regional priorities.

The strategy follows AFL Barwon’s “Play On” Plan from last year and serves as a precursor to the AFL Barwon 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.

Since 2015 there has been an exponential increase in female football, with 65 new female football teams – a 424 per cent increase in participation – starting in the following four years, strong population growth across the region, and $67 million of investment into football and netball club facilities across the region, with more than 60 projects completed.

In 2019, AFL Barwon had a higher number of players per population compared to Victorian regional averages in all age groups.

Despite the challenges of 2020, overall football and netball participation has increased since this time.

The key themes of the new strategy identify ways to increase diversity in participation, improve facilities and sustainability, build and retain football and netball participation and continue to support clubs and their people.

“The Towards 2030: Strategy is and will be an incredibly valuable document as our region moves into the future, and it is a great thing for the region which will guide planning and development moving forward,” acting AFL Barwon region general manager Sean Atkinson said.

“We encourage any and all community feedback whilst the strategy is still in draft form, giving the opportunity for all members of the region to have input into what the future can look like across AFL Barwon.”

G21 chief executive officer Giulia Baggio said the draft strategy highlighted a range of issues for football and netball communities in the G21 region.

“We must continue to drive participation and enhance the experience of all participants, providing high quality and inclusive facilities,” she said.

“We want every person who plays netball and footy in our region to feel comfortable and welcome.

“I urge everyone to have a look at the draft strategy and have their say.”

Submissions to G21 and AFL Barwon Towards 2030: Strategy are open for comment until July 31. To read the document or make a submission, head to G21’s website.