BREAKING NEWS: The Heathcote District Football Netball League (HDFNL) has just announced the launch of an inaugural under-15 competition set to kick off in 2026. This exciting development was confirmed during the HDFNL’s annual general meeting on Wednesday night, marking a significant milestone for local football clubs.
This new tier is expected to feature six teams in its inaugural year, including clubs from Heathcote, Leitchville-Gunbower, Lockington-Bamawm United, Mount Pleasant, North Bendigo, and a combined team from Elmore and Colbinabbin, playing under the name Runnymede. The announcement comes after a series of discussions with the AFL Central Victoria and the Bendigo Junior Football League, which ultimately approved the introduction of this vital competition.
The HDFNL emphasized that the under-15s addition strengthens the development pathway for young players, allowing clubs to identify and nurture talent from an earlier age. “This addition strengthens the entire development pathway for young players, whilst helping clubs identify and nurture talent earlier,” stated HDFNL officials.
HDFNL chairman Rod Stephens expressed enthusiasm, stating, “A lot of work has gone into this, so it’s very exciting for the league. The new competition is important for sustainability and, hopefully, gives more under-15s the chance to play a game of football.”
Local clubs have reacted positively, with many expressing excitement over the future of youth football in the region. Colbinabbin president Tim Hill remarked on the previous challenges faced when the league transitioned to under-18s, saying, “When the under-18s came in, we lost a link into our under-18s from Runnymede.” Hill believes that the new under-15 team will help retain local talent, as players will continue to develop together.
The under-15 competition is seen as a game changer for the community, particularly for clubs like Leitchville-Gunbower. President Matt Hawken stated, “Our families are really happy with this and it may also help us to attract some families that we’ve lost over the past four or five years back to the club.”
Families have faced challenges juggling multiple sports across different towns, making the creation of an under-15s team a welcomed change. “This year we had to go from under-12s into under-16s in the Bendigo junior league because we had no other option,” Hawken noted.
Despite the positive reception, some clubs like Huntly and White Hills are unlikely to participate in the first year due to concerns over player numbers. Huntly president Matt Jeffries mentioned, “We support the decision, it’s just that at this stage we probably won’t field a team because we just don’t quite have enough kids.”
Overall, the introduction of the under-15 competition adds to the league’s structure, which already includes under-18, reserves, and senior competitions. With a total of 11 grades of football and netball in the HDFNL, the community can look forward to enhanced engagement and increased participation.
As the league prepares for the 2026 season, stakeholders are encouraged to get involved, ensuring a bright future for local youth football. The HDFNL is committed to fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive, providing opportunities that bolster community ties and athletic development.
Stay tuned for more updates as the HDFNL continues to shape its future and invest in the next generation of players!
