Under 18

[Blue Tongue]

Have seen a bit of debate about the under 18 within the main thread, but thought I'd start a new one on this topic only.

As I see it, the under 18 competition is always going to be an issue, particulary at this time.

As many of you may recall, back about 15 or so years ago a game called basketball exploded in Australia, and a number of young boys never took up the game of Australia Rules. And that was an issue, that previously we had never faced. The same issues may occur in years to come with the soccer craze that has taken off. Now a number of the fellas still play basketball, and have never even played a game of football to know how good the game really is.

One suggestion would be for clubs to go down to the local basketball stadiums on the days that the under 16 & 18 competitions are run, and find that iconic kid, that if he were to come play football, the rest would follow, or a number of would.

Another suggestion would be to trial running some or all of the under 18 comp on a friday evening as I believe has happened in the past. I can recall going to Upwey football ground on a friday night to watch them play I believe Belgrave. It was a great game, a good atmosphere, and there were a number of supporters there for the game. I guess this could fix a few problems, but also create a few more. Maybe even the possibility of playing 2 games a night at a venue could increase interest. For example a Belgrave vs Upwey & a Gembrook vs Emerald game on one night at one location could be huge for the hosting club.

Obviously the support staff wouldn't have to be at 2 grounds at once, however, they may be required over 2 days rether than 1. It may attract a number of new supporters ie friends of players, etc who are happier to go to a game on a friday night rather than travel miles away for a game on a freezing Saturday morning.

And lighting becomes an issue also, but perhaps the league could as part of the upgrade to the Kilsyth ground ensure it would be suitable to playing night fixtures, and establish, or assist a club with a ground further up the Valley which would meet its requirements also.

I hope everyone involved the best of luck, and as I'm sure you are aware, this is not an issue that is isolated to the YVMDFL only, many leagues are struggling with this.

 

[YGTHUNDER]

Have seen a bit of debate about the under 18 within the main thread, but thought I'd start a new one on this topic only.

As I see it, the under 18 competition is always going to be an issue, particulary at this time.

As many of you may recall, back about 15 or so years ago a game called basketball exploded in Australia, and a number of young boys never took up the game of Australia Rules. And that was an issue, that previously we had never faced. The same issues may occur in years to come with the soccer craze that has taken off. Now a number of the fellas still play basketball, and have never even played a game of football to know how good the game really is.

One suggestion would be for clubs to go down to the local basketball stadiums on the days that the under 16 & 18 competitions are run, and find that iconic kid, that if he were to come play football, the rest would follow, or a number of would.

Another suggestion would be to trial running some or all of the under 18 comp on a friday evening as I believe has happened in the past. I can recall going to Upwey football ground on a friday night to watch them play I believe Belgrave. It was a great game, a good atmosphere, and there were a number of supporters there for the game. I guess this could fix a few problems, but also create a few more. Maybe even the possibility of playing 2 games a night at a venue could increase interest. For example a Belgrave vs Upwey & a Gembrook vs Emerald game on one night at one location could be huge for the hosting club.

Obviously the support staff wouldn't have to be at 2 grounds at once, however, they may be required over 2 days rether than 1. It may attract a number of new supporters ie friends of players, etc who are happier to go to a game on a friday night rather than travel miles away for a game on a freezing Saturday morning.

And lighting becomes an issue also, but perhaps the league could as part of the upgrade to the Kilsyth ground ensure it would be suitable to playing night fixtures, and establish, or assist a club with a ground further up the Valley which would meet its requirements also.

I hope everyone involved the best of luck, and as I'm sure you are aware, this is not an issue that is isolated to the YVMDFL only, many leagues are struggling with this.

I think the Fri night comp needs 2 be looked at. The league shires and clubs need to be as 1 in lobbying the local state and federal govts in helping to upgrade ground lighting at specified clubs first and then filtering down to all clubs. Young blokes who play b-ball and soccer on a sat may be willing or able to play on a fri night. Parents and friends may find fri nights a better option for family and commitments than on a busy saterday morning. Apprentices may be able to play on fri and satisfy the boss by working sat. People within the community on a slow fri night may head down to the grounds for the night...and come back. Lets face it young blokes like 2 have a social bevy or 2 and a fri night may bring them to the clubs to see their mates and may even contribute to signing a few up. No im not condoning binge drinking! just as i see it. I realise that fri and sat may stretch a few clubs but do we want u/18s or not? It may even be a good $$$ spinner and an extra addition for sponsors or potential sponsors.

I dont think the league have anything to do with Kilsyth anymore.

 

[Monniehawk]

....a problem since Adam was a boy!!
Firstly, basketball and soccer really hit big in the 60's and they made big inroads for a decade or two, but have tapered off. Other major problems are injury worries, study, alternative social outlets, or work issues.
However, lighting is one promising solution to the problem. At least in the short-term, target some of the better-lit grounds to upgrade to premium lighting (i.e. Emerald, Monbulk, YJ, etc.) and introduce twilight games on Friday and/or Sat nights. Kids are then in front of a crowd, with the club resources behind them - and more importantly, not on the streets!
Why get up at 'sparrows', drive 40-100ks to kick the frost off in front of a trainer and his dog? Twilight games give a chance for friends and family to get involved as well as other club members.
Over time, all grounds could be so lit and I'm certain it would provide a greater incentive for kids to participate. The League could consider targeting grounds and sink any excess money into schemes to improve lighting (i.e. interest free loans), instead of paying out a dividend to clubs. It might also make a worthwhile project for a league sponsor over say a three year period.
Additionally, the Junior league would benefit as well: their crowded Sunday fixtures could spill over into twilight games as well.
It's worth thinking about.