Welcome to the EFNL 2021 Season.
After a very lengthy wait due to COVID 19, we are now counting down the days until the season starts. The first siren to commence matches across the League will be a key milestone and a time to reflect. We cannot wait to see participants back out playing and umpiring, the volunteers supporting and the spectators cheering for their teams.
Eastland continues as our Naming Rights and Major Sponsor and we are very thankful for their support and contribution. Eastland is the premier shopping and entertainment destination in Melbourne’s east, and we are very proud to be associated with them on this level.
Bendigo Bank is a long-term partner of the league and continues as our Major Community Partner, along with our major sponsors; Yarra Valley Water, BJS Insurance Brokers, Channel Nine, SEN1116, Car Sales, Deakin University and our support sponsors who are all listed on our website. Sponsor support enables the League to ensure that football and netball remains as a low-cost participation option accessible to all who wish to participate in the Eastern region.
Our commitment to community welfare and well-being will again be demonstrated through our four themed rounds, along with our investment into SALT programs. Themed Rounds will support Breast Cancer Network Australia, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Fight MND and TAC. Anzac Day will also continue to be a cornerstone weekend for all our clubs.
The league would like to thank the club volunteers that navigated their way through the challenges COVID 19 presented. To those volunteers coming back and the new ones stepping into roles we thank and applaud you for your contribution and support. Running a local club is so much more than just playing football and netball. Clubs are the centrepiece of the community, they are hubs that bring communities, families, and friends together and they are also some of the very best support networks.
The League has set a high benchmark in terms of conduct and behaviour of our clubs, players and spectators and we expect this to continue in 2021. We would ask that all clubs and attendees understand, respect, and follow the rules and protocols in relation to COVID 19 to ensure matches can be completed in a COVID safe manner.
Welcome again to the season and best of luck to all teams.
Troy Swainston
EFNL CEO