Eagles set to soar in new league

Nothing worth having in life comes easy and adding the first piece to the newly formed Limestone Coast Football Netball League puzzle has taken a lot of hard work.

SANFL Head of Community Football Shawn Ford has been front and centre of that process, flanked by local SANFL employees and the volunteer football and netball club representatives and the April 8 decision for Penola Football Netball Club to join the new league in 2025, bidding a final farewell to the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League and Netball Association this season, is just reward.

“Through dedication, perseverance, and a shared commitment to success, we were able to overcome challenges and reach a mutually beneficial agreement for a sustainable future for the club and the league,” Ford said. “Securing the Penola Football and Netball Club for the 2025 season is an exciting development. It represents a culmination of considerable effort and collaboration to meet the needs of all parties involved.”

Penola’s decision to join the Limestone Coast Football Netball league is just the first chapter in what SANFL and local officials hope will be an epic story that will reshape both sports in the region and ensure a sustainable future.

“The decision to lock in Penola for the 2025 season required a comprehensive approach,” Ford said. “We had to carefully consider the requirements and expectations of various stakeholders, including players, coaches, sponsors, and supporters.

“This involved extensive negotiations, strategic planning, and effective communication to ensure that everyone’s needs were addressed and satisfied where possible.”

That process, of course, will now continue as work continues on enticing more clubs to the exciting new competition, and all stakeholders are under no illusions, that just as it was with Penola, the road will continue to be hard.

“Navigating through the challenges inherent in such a decision was difficult,” Ford said. “We encountered obstacles ranging from logistical hurdles to financial considerations of the club and sponsors.

“However, through dedication, perseverance, and a shared commitment to success, we were able to overcome these challenges and reach a mutually beneficial agreement for a sustainable future for the club and the league.”

But with hard work comes rewards and the opportunities that will arise from Penola joining the league in 2025 have added a layer of optimism to the new venture just as the 2024 season is about to dawn on April 20.

“Moving forward, we are excited about the opportunities that the 2025 season at Penola will bring,” Ford said. “We remain committed to working with the LCFNL and delivering an exceptional experience for all involved and are confident that this decision will contribute to the continued growth and success of the league and the Penola Football and Netball Club.”

The decision to target Penola for the new league was based on a number of considerations – geographical; historical; facilities and infrastructure; community engagement and participation.

“Penola’s location within the Limestone Coast region provides strategic advantages. It serves as a central hub within the area, making it accessible to teams and supporters from surrounding towns and communities,” Ford said. “Penola has a rich history in football and netball, with a strong tradition of participation and support for both sports. This historical significance adds cultural value to the league and enhances its appeal to supporters and players alike.”

Penola has also outlined a long term plan to create quality sporting facilities and infrastructure, including a well-planned and restructured club room and changeroom facility.

These amenities will provide a quality venue for hosting matches and events, ensuring a positive experience for participants and spectators.

Penola also has a vibrant and engaged community that is passionate about Football and Netball.

“By including Penola in the league, the SANFL is confident the community will rally behind the club and foster the growth and success of the league,” Ford said. “With a large portion of junior participants attending school in Mount Gambier, there are opportunities to create satellite training bases to further enhance and grow participation and ease the financial and travel burdens on families.

“Overall, SANFL sees Penola as an excellent fit for the newly formed league due to its geographical location, historical significance, quality infrastructure and facilities plan and community engagement and participation.”

The SANFL and local officials know they have only a limited amount of time to bask in the Penola announcement.

The April 10 season launch provided an opportunity to celebrate the news alongside the unveiling of new representative guernseys; new board members and the main players from the six foundation clubs but with that done and dusted it is back to season 2024 preparations and the campaigning for more clubs to take the plunge for the 2025 season.

“The SANFL remains committed to collaborating with South East clubs to pinpoint potential member clubs,” Ford said. “Numerous factors, including sustainability, participation rates, geographic proximity, travel considerations, and the financial burden on families, must be carefully weighed.

“Leveraging live data alongside historical trends and future population forecasts, the SANFL will prioritise evidence-based decision-making and actively seek input from the community before finalising any strategies.”