Netball Effect: https:\/\/youtu.be\/JMvRSVAPX74<\/a><\/p>\n Benefits of Pathway & Umpiring: https:\/\/youtu.be\/tWpNXYK1E8c<\/a><\/p>\n
MEDIA RELEASE<\/p>\n
EASTERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE AND OUTER EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL ANNOUNCE LANDMARK COMMITMENT TO UNIFIED REGIONAL COMPETITION<\/p>\n
Memorandum of Understanding signals shared ambition to create a single league, with a target launch from 2028<\/p>\n
The Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) and Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to explore merging their competitions into a single, unified league spanning football and netball across Melbourne\u2019s eastern region.<\/p>\n
The agreement marks the first formal step toward establishing a long-term, sustainable and inclusive community sporting model for the region, designed to strengthen community connections, expand participation at every level, and create clearer pathways for players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.<\/p>\n
Paul Barlow, EFNL Chair:
\u201cThis is a rare opportunity to build something stronger for community football and netball across Melbourne\u2019s east. By coming together, we can protect what makes our clubs special while creating a more sustainable competition for the players, coaches, umpires and volunteers who give so much to local sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mark Sargent, OEFN Chair:
\u201cOur clubs are the heart of their communities, and they deserve a competition built to last. A unified league enables us align pathways, share resources and invest in the future of the game, from juniors through to our veterans, while driving participation growth and creating more opportunities for men, women, boys and girls across football, netball and umpiring.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through this collaboration, EFNL and OEFN aim to:
\u2022 Deliver a whole-of-life participation model spanning junior through to senior and veteran\u2019s competitions for football, netball and umpiring
\u2022 Improve sustainability of clubs and the broader competition, both financially and operationally
\u2022 Foster inclusive, safe and welcoming environments, with a strong focus on accessibility and gender equity
\u2022 Align development pathways and invest in talent across football, netball, coaching and officiating
\u2022 Establish transparent, effective governance that supports all affiliated clubs<\/p>\n
Representatives from both league Boards, will oversee a phased process covering feasibility assessment, stakeholder consultation, governance design and operational alignment.<\/p>\n
Extensive engagement with clubs, players, umpires, volunteers, councils and community partners will be central to the work, to ensure the future structure reflects the needs of all stakeholders.<\/p>\n
While the MoU is not legally binding, it reflects a strong commitment from both organisations to work collaboratively and in good faith towards a potential merger, with a target to launch a unified competition from 2028.<\/p>\n
Both leagues are committed to respecting the history of each league while building a modern, sustainable competition that will support community sport for generations to come.<\/p>\n
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Please see the below videos for more information provided by both Chairs of the competitions:<\/p>\n
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Why a MOU: https:\/\/youtu.be\/lCpBfCrFhlQ<\/a><\/p>\n Netball Effect: https:\/\/youtu.be\/JMvRSVAPX74<\/a><\/p>\n Benefits of Pathway & Umpiring: https:\/\/youtu.be\/tWpNXYK1E8c<\/a><\/p>\n
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