The Upwey-Tecoma Football Netball Club has released a statement telling its followers and members it is planning a move to the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL).
The Tigers aren’t the first team to make this move, Beaconsfield and Berwick both joined in 2021, and with Bulleen-Templestowe also joining this season, there’s sure to be some competition for the new, and old teams.
The bid comes after a special club meeting of around 138 members on Thursday 26 June, where 121 voted for the move beginning from the 2026 season.
“We have been a strong member of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League (YVMDFL) and Outer Eastern Football Netball (OEFN) since its inception 60 years ago,” Craig Waters, president of the Upwey Tecoma Football Netball Club stated.
“However the recent years have seen a significant change in our demographics, and our area is far more metropolitan than it was 60 years ago.
“We believe a change in affiliation to the EFNL will allow us to meet challenges around transition of junior players through age group benefits, reduce pressure on volunteers through reduced costs, including salary cap costs, and better support our women’s football program through deeper grading opportunities.”
The review has been ongoing since late 2024, in the time from then to here, the club has been “consulting with playing groups, supporters and other key stakeholders of the club.”
Following the meeting, the club is to hold talks with not only the EFNL, but also AFL Victoria and the OEFN to lodge and follow through with their intention to move leagues.
The move is sure to change a lot in the Upwey-Tecoma sports scene, but is bound to be beneficial for members, supporters and owners all the like.
A fresh face is added to the EFNL, surely to spark new rivalries, playing styles and some truly special footy.
