AFL Barwon waives all junior football and netball fees

AFL BARWON has announced all junior football and netball player and team fees for the 2020 season will be waived as a show of thanks to clubs for their efforts throughout this year.

The governing body’s financial situation has been eased by funding from the state government’s Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Short-Term Survival Package.

AFL Barwon region general manager Will McGregor said he was pleased to pass the benefits of this funding onto local clubs.

“The contribution and support our clubs and volunteers have shown through the COVID-19 period has been nothing short of outstanding, and we hope this fee reversal and show of thanks helps ease some burden during what have been challenging times for all,” he said.

“We hope too that the fee reversal can assist junior programs into the future. Lastly, we remain committed as an organisation to work collaboratively with all clubs as we plan for the 2021 seasons.”

Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club president Michael Thomas said the waiver was a great help for the club.

“It will be a massive boost for us and it’s something we didn’t think we were going to get,” said Thomas.

“Any help is a great help. As a junior club, any money that we make we pump back into the club because we don’t have any paid positions. So, at the end of the year we will work out our financial position and look at how we can build the club and invest it back in the kids.”