Junior footy returns to Melbourne this weekend
The South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) announced that junior football will return to Metropolitan Melbourne this weekend with the launch of its Monash University ‘Football 4 Fun’ program.
The Football 4 Fun program will be offered free of charge to SMJFL players and will run for four weeks commencing Sunday 15 November 2020, running until Sunday 6 December.
During lockdown, the league developed the Football 4 Fun program with its key stakeholders ready for when it would be deemed safe to return to community sport under the Victorian Government restrictions and guidelines.
After 112 days in lockdown, the league is ecstatic to provide an opportunity for kids to return to football this Sunday.
Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott said he is looking forward to seeing grassroots football resume in Melbourne’s South-East.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on grassroots sport across our region. With the SMJFL adhering to all AFL Victoria COVID protocols in line with the Victorian State Government guidelines, it will be exciting to see boys and girls playing footy again.”
SMJFL Chief Executive Officer Sarah Loh has been motivated to provide kids the opportunity to play football with their friends this year watching the impact the pandemic has had on kids.
“We’ve ridden the wave with the rest of Victoria and sadly had to cancel the League’s 2020 traditional football season at the eleventh hour in April and July.”
“The South Metro Junior Football League is at the heartland of football and participation, and we are beyond thrilled to bring football back to our community thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners, affiliates and local governments – in particular to our long term Major Sponsor, Monash University, and Community Partner, the St Kilda Football Club.”
“We’ve worked hard with our LGAs to ensure that the league’s program won’t interfere with summer sports.”
AFL Victoria will continue to work with all leagues and clubs on a safe return to football.