Football across State’s mid-north to benefit from new resource

Community football in South Australia’s mid-north will benefit from more support and resources, with SANFL Community Football to establish a Regional Council for the area.

The Central Zone Regional Council will represent the four leagues throughout the area including the Northern Areas Football Association and the North Eastern, Yorke Peninsula and Adelaide Plains football leagues.

SANFL Community Football Manager Matt Duldig said the new council was designed to “support local people in making local decisions”.

“Country football is home to half of all club participants across South Australia and is also a crucial part of the social fabric of regional communities,” Mr Duldig said.

“However, to be at their best, we recognise that leagues need additional resources and support.

“Over the past two years, we have established regional councils in the South East and Eyre Peninsula and both those regions have seen immediate and positive results with club volunteers and league administrators being the major beneficiaries.

“Now we are bringing that model to the leagues, clubs and volunteers across the northern areas of the State with the creation of this new structure.”

The establishment of the new council comes on the heels of Central Zone’s success in taking out the 2019 Country Football Championships held in Port Pirie earlier this month.

SANFL will immediately begin seeking a full-time Football Operations Coordinator who will administer the Central Zone league competitions and assist in club development.

“The introduction process involves a lot of consultation to make sure the areas specific needs are understood,” Mr Duldig said.

“Each regional area has its own unique challenges and opportunities, so it’s important that these are all fully understood.”

Central Zone Regional Council foundation member Graeme Wandel said the formation of the council was an exciting development which would benefit the four Landmark Cup leagues in the Central Zone who shared common traditions and values.

“These leagues have similar goals and concerns and employing a football operations coordinator will hopefully assist volunteer administrators, both at league and club level,” Mr Wandel said.

All particpating Central Zone leagues have fully endorsed the proposed structure and it is aimed to be in operation by 1 November.

Media inquiries:

Paula Brinkworth, SANFL Senior Media and Communications Advisor, 0414 805 153 or paula.brinkworth@sanfl.frmdv.com