AFL Barwon Establishes Junior Football Working Party
AFL Barwon has formally established a Junior Football Working Party, bringing together a diverse and experienced group of club representatives to help shape the future of the region’s junior pathway.
Following a call for nominations to clubs across the region, 10 individuals were selected to form the Working Party. Each member brings extensive experience in junior sport across multiple codes, along with strong, current involvement in football within the AFL Barwon region. Their collective knowledge and on-the-ground insight ensures discussions are informed by real club environments and community needs.
The group includes representatives from a broad cross-section of clubs, ensuring a range of perspectives are considered. This diversity allows for balanced and constructive conversations around the opportunities and challenges facing junior football at all levels.
The Working Party will meet frequently with AFL Barwon staff to discuss matters relating to the entire junior football pathway, spanning both competitive and non-competitive formats. Key focus areas include:
- Junior grading
- Fixturing
- Competition structures
- Stakeholder conduct
- General business and emerging issues
Constructive and informed discussion underpins the group’s purpose, with meetings focused on identifying and working through both emerging and ongoing challenges across the region. This approach enables AFL Barwon to assess ideas, consider potential changes and understand the practical implications of decisions at club level before implementation.
The establishment of the Junior Football Working Party reflects AFL Barwon’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with clubs and ensuring the junior pathway continues to evolve in line with community expectations.
By working directly with experienced club representatives, AFL Barwon is focused on making practical, informed decisions that support a clear, consistent, and sustainable junior football pathway across the region.
