The EFL can confirm that a netballEFL competition will definitely be going ahead in 2014.
Eight clubs have confirmed they will field teams, with a few suggesting they may field two teams.
The clubs are: Boronia, Coldstream, Croydon, East Ringwood, Mitcham, Mooroolbark, Ringwood and Wantirna South.
EFL CEO Phil Murton says there are another five or so clubs the league knows of that are still working at getting a team up.
“There is still plenty of time for clubs who want to get a team together to do so. If you are trying, please inform us at the office so we can keep you in the loop and help in any way we can” he said.
Murton believes the competition will continue to build over the coming years.
“This is a new and exciting initiative for the league. We encourage all clubs to consider getting a team together,” he said.
“I think more clubs will see the benefits of aligning the two sports and their clubs embracing an even broader section of their local community.”
The exact structure of the competition will be confirmed closer to the season start as team nominations are confirmed, but here are a few details:
All matches will be played at Eastern Indoor Sports Centre (Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield)
A pre-season round robin tournament will be held on Friday 11 April.
The official season will start on Friday 2 May.
The length of the season will be determined by the number of teams entered, however the league anticipates a 14 to 16-week season, followed by finals.
Kirra Tevelein in the EFL office will manage the netball operations for the league, in conjunction with the Eastern Indoor Sports Centre.