SEJ Written Submission

SEJ SUBMISSION
Building sustainable Youth Competitions and
TO THE SE AFL
YOUTH REVIEW
Inclusion
Participation
pathways to senior football in the SE AFL Region
Shaun Connell
General Manager
Even
Competition
Pathway
Contents
OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 3
REPSPONSE ............................................................................................................................................. 4
The appropriate age of senior transition .......................................................................................... 4
The ability of existing structures to cater for sustainability and growth ......................................... 5
The suitability of alternative structures ............................................................................................ 6
Case studies from other regions and leagues ................................................................................... 7
Summary................................................................................................................................................. 8
Recommendations ................................................................................................................................. 9
Leagues within the South East Region
South East Juniors
LEAGUE
ABBREVIATION
SEJ
Peninsula Casey Nepean Sports Alliance
PCNSA
Frankston & District Junior Football League
FDJFL
Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League
MPJFL
DESCRIPTION
Junior AFL competition affiliated
to AFL Victoria.
Trading entity for the Mornington
Peninsula Nepean Football
League who is the Governing
body to 3 senior leagues and
Netball in the South East
Region.
Junior AFL competition affiliated
to AFL Vic Country and SE
Commission.
Junior AFL competition affiliated
to AFL Vic Country and SE
Commission.
1
OVERVIEW
South East Juniors Incorporated (SEJ) began in 1962 as the Dandenong and District Junior
Football League and represents 36% of the total number of teams and almost 43% of the total
number of junior participants in the South East Metro Development Region.
The League is a metropolitan league affiliated with AFL Victoria with membership covering the
local Government areas of City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia.
As of December 2009 the League has been governed by an independent Board of 5, three of
which are appointed by AFL Victoria including the Chairman, General Manager and 1 other. The
remaining two Board positions are nominated and elected by the member clubs.
Position
Chairman
General Manager
AFL Vic Board Appointee
Club Elected
Club Elected
Roger Hampson
Shaun Connell
Kirsty Bradshaw
Paul Milo
Leigh Huisman
League Board is supported by an administration of 2 full time and one part time staff.
SEJ Organisational Structure
SEJ BOARD
General Manager
(FT)
Football Operations
(FT)
Bookkeeper/Admin
(PT)
Umpire Manager
(HONORAIUM)
200+ Umpires
9 Support
Volunteers
Director of
Coaching
(HONRAIUM)
8 Development
Squads
2
INTRODUCTION
South East Juniors welcomes the establishment of the AFL Victoria South East Commission
review into Youth Football in the South East Region. The Board recognises the complexities of the
various league and state jurisdictions within the region and the Board and member clubs are fully
supportive of the collaborative regional approach being undertaken during this review.
With senior football participation saturation within the City of Casey around 2% for males aged
between 18 and 35 it is important that the outcomes of review recommendations impact
positively on growth of senior football.
The Board acknowledges the scope of the South East Youth Review recommendations extends
only to Youth football within the leagues under jurisdiction of AFL Vic Country and the South East
Commission being the MPJFL, FDJFL and PCNSA.
Outside of these recommendations the Board of South East Juniors believes that football in this
region requires a more structured and planned approach to the governance and administration
of both junior and senior football in this region.
Over the past 5 years there has been several reviews conducted in this region and state-wide
reviews that support a central governance and administration model to manage football.
In David Codes 2009 Future Review document commissioned by AFL Victoria one of his key
recommendations was the central administration and management of the four leagues in the
South East Region.
A similar theme was identified in the AFL Victoria Review of Country Football where Peter Jackson
stated;
“Our recommendations are focussed unashamedly around the sustainability of the club, not
necessarily the sustainability of leagues. For country Victoria to maintain its status and indeed
grow, the clubs must be vibrant and financially sustainable. This means putting support
resources more directly at their disposal, providing training and development more directly, and
reducing the cost of participating in competitions.
This requires a change in the current governance structures around country Victoria and it is
incumbent on administrators of all governing bodies, including leagues and umpire associations,
to consider this for the future well-being of the clubs and the game. The recommended changes
are not so much a reflection of what is wrong, or a response to criticism of the current
governance structures, but a reflection of what is needed over the next 10-20 years given the
issues confronting football and clubs in country Victoria.” 1
Less layers of Governance and Administration will provide both junior and senior clubs a more
strategic and responsive approach to the management of football competitions in the ever
changing COGD / Casey / Cardinia region.
The Board will duly consider the recommendations of the Working Party in line with the best
interest of the member clubs of the SEJ and football in the region.
The South East Junior response to the review will be in line with the identified purposes of the
review.
1
Review of Football in Country Victoria (October 2011) – Peter Jackson
3
REPSPONSE
The appropriate age of senior transition
Over the past 5 years there has been a shift within metropolitan junior and senior leagues to
align U17’s football competitions with junior clubs and competitions.
The statistics provided during the South East review indicated that the alignment of underage
players to junior football clubs has seen positive participation outcomes for those competitions.
Some of the key factors to this positive outcome include;
•
Keeping peers together in a low risk environment
•
Decreases a disconnect with well-established social groups
•
•
•
Allowing players at age 16-17 to be the "main" (oldest) team enables them
to become leaders of the club and role models that the younger players can
identify with.
Reduces the concept of exclusion
•
selection process of bottom age and senior football can be considered a
disincentive for participation
•
junior competition models can provide an opportunity to compete at their
standard of skill
Could have a positive effect on the transition from junior Football to senior
football
•
peers may be likely to stick together and form a majority of a team at U19
level particularly where there are strong Junior / Senior Club alliances
•
participants are less reliant on parents for transport
Given the success of this model around Metropolitan Melbourne the South East Juniors believes
that similar or better results can be achieved in this region.
This competition structure provides the strongest pathway and retention model into surrounding
bottom age senior competitions. This model accommodates not only for growth, but allows
struggling clubs to field teams with the two year eligibility.
4
The ability of existing structures to cater for sustainability and growth
Currently the South East Juniors conducts the following age competition structure;
U14/U15/U17
Youth Girls
U11/U12/U13
U8/U9/U10
The current SEJ U17 competition consists of 15 teams across two divisions.
The competition is providing for 366 participants made up of 283 bottom age and 83 top age
players.
When the league conducted an U17’s competition in 2012 an additional 53 top age players were
accommodated. The league is in no doubt that these figures could have been stronger with a
more consolidated and collaborative competition structure.
In 2013 the league was poised to conduct a standalone U17 competition consisting of 6 teams,
however the withdrawal of Hampton Park to the CC competition a week out from the start of the
season left the competition with only 5 teams. The league worked with surrounding leagues to
ensure all remaining teams found a competition to play in that year. On that basis 110 top age
players were being accommodated to play.
The South East Juniors competition model is in the best position to cater for growth in this age
group. SEJ offers a graded competition with a two year age eligibility that can provide a pathway
to senior football clubs across various leagues that border the SEJ footprint.
This model maximises the participation opportunities for both strong and struggling clubs across
all three LGA’s.
In 2013 AFL Victoria supported the PNCA conducting an U17 competition in the Casey Cardinia
FNL. As a result this has negative impact on the competition structures and pathways in the
region. As identified by the Working Party the Casey Cardinia U17 competition has compromised
by the use of over age players, unevenness of the competition and teams withdrawing from the
competition.
The SEJ Premier 1 U17 competition has also seen an un-even competition with two of the six
teams being uncompetitive. The Premier 2 competition however has been more balanced with
only one team (Doveton Eagles) not registering a win.
It is not sustainable to run two parallel U17’s competitions at both junior and senior level.
5
The suitability of alternative structures
Various alternatives were discussed during the working party and have been suggested by clubs
in both the SEJ and Casey Cardinia.
SEJ U16 – Casey Cardinia U17
The suggestion that SEJ revert back to a straight U16 competition and the Casey Cardinia FNL
run U17’s provides significant risk to the purpose and outcomes of the review.
A yearly age transition eg U15/U16/U17 would be consistent with the rest of the SEJ
competition, however with the reduction in the volume teams in this age group (consistent in
most competitions) outcomes such as divisional graded competitions are harder to achieve.
There is around a 50% of drop off in the total number of teams from U10’s through to U16/U17
football.
This is not to say this competition model wouldn’t work, it just wouldn’t suit the majority clubs.
The other risk with this model is as was experienced this year with the parallel U17 competition
Casey Cardinia FNL. Senior clubs recruited 58 of the better players who were still eligible to play
U16’s and one player who was still eligible to play U15’s.
1995 (turning 19)
Total Playing in Casey Cardinia
competition
15
1996 (turning 18)
54
1997 (turning 17)
175
1998 (turning 16)
58
1999 (turning 15)
1
Year of Birth
303
This would suggest if the SEJ did run a standalone U16 competition this year the total number of
teams fielded may be much less than the 15.
Casey Cardinia clubs may well argue that if the SEJ didn’t run an U17’s that the 83 top age
players that remained in the SEJ would have played CC U17’s, however this is unlikely as this
option was still available to these players and chose to stay a SEJ clubs.
It is the view of the South East Juniors that competition structures for these age groups are
flexible, adaptable and inclusive. The competition offering must be considered to be fair and
even and provide an opportunity to play at their level of competition.
There is anecdotal evidence that there are many participants living within the City of Casey that
play in competitions or clubs outside of the Casey area. Both the SEJ and Casey Cardinia FNL
must strive to provide a local competition that is seen as the first choice option for participants in
this region.
6
Case studies from other regions and leagues
As mentioned earlier in this document the SE Youth Review working party examined the
competition models of leagues within the metropolitan football network.
The statistical data presented showed an increase in teams in the U16 and U17 age groups. For
example in the Eastern Football league the growth in U19 teams was consistent with the number
of teams in senior competitions. However the net result over the U17 and U19’s age group of 14
teams in 2014.
Yarra Junior FL and Eastern FL run the U15/U17 model which feeds directly into U19
competitions in the Northern FL and Eastern FL.
Northern FNL have 24 teams in U16 (11) and U17 (13) age group
South Metro have a weight of numbers that can allow them a risk free competition structure that
allows a 15/16 and 17 age group. Southern FL footprint is covered mainly by the SMJFL.
Southern FL runs an U19’s competition which does not compete with the SMJFL U17’s.
SMJFL 16 = 26 SMJFL 13 U17
The advantage to the likes of Northern FL and Eastern FL is that they share a one competition
governance model which allows that league to be adaptive and responsive to any necessary
competition changes.
In the case of Yarra Juniors and South Metro their models and pathways are well established with
their senior leagues, however the junior league still has flexibility to set up the U16 and U17
competitions to suit the clubs.
7
Summary
Based on the research, data and discussions presented during the review the SEJ Board has
formed the following views;
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that the duplication of U17’s competition is not viable in the short or long term
The current Casey Cardinia U17 competition is being supported by the inclusion of U19
participants which is not a long term sustainable participation solution.
The figures indicate that if the status quo remained that a Casey Cardinia U17
competition would not be viable in 2015
Case studies of other leagues support’s that U17’s teams being aligned with Junior
Football Clubs provides a higher retention of teams and participants
Based on experiences of other metro leagues that the SEJ U17 competition will continue
to expand over the next few years - assuming another competition in the same area with
the same age group target is not running in duplication.
That there is potential for senior club growth through standalone SEJ junior clubs feeding
U/19 teams in a divisional U/19 competition managed through a senior competition.
With senior participation in the City of Casey around 2% alternate standard of competition
models need to be established in this region. This can be achieved through
o Growth of new senior teams in growth areas
o Growth of stand-alone junior clubs into U19 and Senior Football
o Review of senior competition structures in Melbourne’s outer South East
That the current U17 model best suits the majority of SEJ member clubs whether they are
aligned to Casey Cardinia Clubs or not.
That the Under 15 and Under 17 structure within an underage League feeding an Under
19 and Reserves / Seniors competition within a senior League is the most logical
structure.
In an ideal world, one single competition would manage both senior and under age
competitions in the region - however we acknowledge that we are likely a long way from
this position becoming a reality.
8
Recommendations
Recommendation 1: Competition Structure
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That U17 football remain under the jurisdiction of junior football clubs and competitions
That the South East Juniors competitions consist of
o U8/ U9/U10/11/U12 /U13/ U14 / U15
o U17
o Female Football
 Junior Girls
 Youth Girls
That a survey be conducted with clubs, parents and U17 participants on potential options
to explore various options for fixturing.
Casey Cardinia structure
o U19 with a two year age eligibility
 Transition into a two tiered competition structure
 Consideration from PCN (CC) to allow junior U19 teams to be
accommodated in fixtures
 Player must be turning 18 or 19 in that year
o Reserves
o Seniors
It is recommended at the confirmation of the recommendation’s that the South East Juniors and
PCNSA operation staff work together to discuss the transition to the new competition model.
Permits

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SEJ to consider the re-introduction of an interchange agreement with the Casey Cardinia
FNL
o Top age U17’s (SEJ) to U19’s (CC)
Request to introduce a restricted interchange of players to the Casey Cardinia Senior
competition (not reserves) should be further considered by the Board and discussed with
the SEJ member clubs.
Recommendation 2:
Governance and Administration
As has been recommended in the Future Directions review (2009) and the Peter Jackson review
(2011) serious discussions need to be held to review the feasibility of potential consolidation of
the governance of junior and senior football across the COGD, Casey and Cardinia.
South East Juniors believes that under the direction of AFL Vic and the SE AFL Commission that a
working party be established as soon as practicable to explore options and the feasibility in
establishing a central governance and administration model of junior and senior football across
COGD, Casey and Cardinia.
9
DATA AND
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
10
AFL VICTORIA SOUTH EAST METRO DEVELOPMENT REGION
SEJ represents 36% of the total number of teams in the South East Metro Development Region and
44% of the total number of Junior teams in the SE development region.
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SOUTH EAST JUNIORS
PCNA
FDJFL
MPJFL
11
WHERE SEJ PLAYERS GO – SEJ Players transferred to Casey Cardinia
2009-2014 by league.
Although Casey Cardinia FNL remains the largest beneficiary of exiting SEJ players the competition
also feeds other senior leagues within the SEJ footprint.
12
MISSED OPPORTUNITY (2010-2013)
Played in year as an U16
Number of players
who did not play the following year
2010
104
2011
95
2012
144
2013
110
Despite the reasonable numbers going through to senior football there are still a large number of players not
playing football the following year.
In 2012 the league conducted a Premier competition that comprised of 5 of the best U16 teams and two U17. As
a result of that competition structure 20 teams participated in that U16 and Premier Competition and only 95
players from the previous year were lost to the game.
However when the league didn’t run an U17 in 2013 144 participants were lost to the game.
Senior football tends to provide more opportunities to participants that can play the game. In senior clubs a lot of
effort is put into recruiting or acquiring the best players to their underage teams to ensure their senior team can
be successful in future years.
This approach can be attributed to the breakup of established junior teams and potential to have existing peer
networks being dismantled. Ideally a competition and governance structure that promotes team’s staying together
and reducing player movement would benefit player retention and senior clubs in the long term.
13
MISSED OPPORTUNITY (2013 to 2014)
Over 123 players who played SEJ U16’s in 2013 are not playing anywhere in 2014.
In addition almost 99 players who played U15’s in 2013 did not return to play football anywhere
in 2014.
This may be attributed to the confusion between the respective Casey Cardinia FNL and SEJ
U17’s competitions and the recruiting of the better players from SEJ U16 teams to Casey
Cardinia U17’s.
The SEJ attribute the drop off players of 2013 u15 players to the SEJ U17 competition to a lack
of understanding of the SEJ competition structure.
Table: Players who played SEJ 2013 who did not play anywhere in 2014
2013-2014
AGE
Club
15 (turning 16)
16 (turning 17)
Beaconsfield JFC
5
4
Berwick JFC
12
11
Berwick Springs
5
7
Cranbourne JFC
7
5
Endeavour Hills JFC
3
1
Fountain Gate JFC
7
13
Hampton Park JFC
3
8
Narre North Foxes JFC
17
18
Narre South Lions JFC
10
12
Narre Warren JFC
9
17
Noble Park JFC
7
9
Officer JFC
6
12
Pakenham JFC
6
3
Tooradin Dalmore
2
3
Total
99
123
14
SEJ Club contribution to Senior Football by club (Casey Cardinia)
2009-2014
SEJ CLUB
TOTAL SEJ
PLAYERS TO % of total
CASEY
SEJ Club
CARDINIA
contribution
Beaconsfield JFC
168
12.97
Berwick JFC
144
11.12
Narre North Foxes JFC
127
9.81
Narre Warren JFC
125
9.65
Cranbourne JFC
112
8.65
Hampton Park JFC
112
8.65
Pakenham JFC
95
7.34
Officer JFC
84
6.49
Narre South Lions JFC
82
6.33
Endeavour Hills JFC
72
5.56
Fountain Gate JFC
68
5.25
Tooradin-Dalmore FC
32
2.47
Noble Park JFC
24
1.85
Endeavour North JFC
20
1.54
Hallam FC
16
1.24
Berwick Springs JFC
12
0.93
North Dandenong JFC
2
0.15
Grand Total
1295
100.00
On average 215 players per year
transfer from SEJ to Casey Cardinia.
Since 2009 Beaconsfield Junior
Football Club has contributed almost
13% (168) of players to the Casey
Cardinia League.
More work needs to be done to
create junior club / senior club
alignments and structured pathways.
Consideration should be given to
establishing MOU’s or formal
agreements between junior and
senior clubs that fosters healthy
partnerships and pathways from
junior to senior football.
Where appropriate junior and senior
club governance models can also be
considered.
Denotes Junior/Senior Clubs
15
16
17
SEJ U17 CLUB TEAM AGE DEMOGRAPHIC
22% of the 2014 U17 Competition is Top Age
18
19
Junior Teams by SEJ Club and Governance status