By LIAM TWOMEY
THE Western Region Football League is eager to see the number of clubs entering teams in its under-18 competition increase by next season. This year saw 10 senior clubs unable to field teams into what is traditionally a feeder side for senior football.
The number is a concern for league CEO Bob Tregear who wants to see all clubs with under-18s as soon as possible.
“No, we are not happy with it,” Tregear said.
“I would certainly like to see that number increase. We would like every club to have an under-18 team.
“If you look at the successful clubs over the last few years, look at Spotswood and Altona. They’ve got very solid representation of their previous juniors who played with them for several years in junior ranks and came through their under-18s.”
Of the WRFL first division clubs, Sunshine, North Footscray and Port Melbourne were the only ones to not enter teams into the under-18 competition.
Tregear said having an under-18 side could become a prerequisite for playing in the top division in future.
“All division one clubs should have under-18s. That should be a requirement,” he said.
“I can see in the future that will become one of the quality criteria for a division one club but we can’t achieve that just yet but we would like to work towards it.”
As the highest placed Division 1 club to not enter an under-18 side in 2013, Sunshine is already on the front foot to ensure it is a one off.
The club has begun looking for players for next season already, as well as appointing a coach.
Sunshine president Bas Tensen said he was confident the club would be able to field a side.
“It is very disappointing not to have an under-18s team. It is obviously the future of your senior club,” he said.
“We have a number of things that we are looking at employing. There are schools in the area that we are working very closely with already. Primary schools but also secondary schools as well. There may be opportunities as well with some of the trade schools and Vic Uni.
“We are confident that we can do it. We started early. We have a coach appointed already. The club committee is really supportive of this to make sure we make it happen.
“We are quite determined as well. I think it is absolutely crucial for our club to have an under-18s team. We certainly are going to make that happen.”
There are also seven division two teams that do not enter sides in the under-18 competition.
Bucking the trend of struggling numbers, Hoppers Crossing Football Club has two under-18 sides.
