The Parkmore Junior Football Club and the Springvale Districts Football Club are joining forces to field a combined Under 19 team in the Southern Football Netball League in 2017.
The Parkmore Springvale Districts Under 19s is the key link in an innovative new pathway that now allows children from the Greater Dandenong area and surrounding areas the chance to progress their football journey from Auskick right through to senior football.
Both clubs are family-based, extremely community oriented and very proud of their multiculturalism, with players from a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds comprising a large proportion on the new Under 19's team.
SFNL General Manager - Operations Adam Sparrow said the new joint venture was a massive boost for football in the area, and praised the work of the two clubs for getting the new Under 19 team off the ground.
"The partnership presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow football in the region. The clubs must be commended for their collaborative approach," Sparrow said.
"Working together, Parkmore and Springvale Districts are now able to offer a wide range of sporting options for the local community. Whether a participant is looking to engage in sport through Auskick or senior football, women's football or netball the clubs offer a truly all-inclusive environment.
"It has been a number of years since Springvale Districts fielded a youth team in the SFNL competition. We will all be counting down the days until Round 1 when the new Under 19 team takes to the field for their first game. It promises to be an exciting moment for all involved."
Parkmore President Michael Palma and newly-elected Springvale Districts President Sean Francis have been the driving forces behind establishing the new Under 19 team, which would not have been possible without their tireless efforts.
Francis said describing the club as being excited about the new partnership would be an understatement.
"It has been a long time between drinks for us in regards to a youth side," Francis said.
"With the ever more professional nature of local football, finding sucess and a stable club structure is a challenge and even more challenging is sustaining a workable club model.
"We realize that if we are going to be successful, integrating young local players is a must, especially with the new points system being introduced.
"We are situated in a very diverse demographic so a partnership with a vibrant, hard working club like Parkmore juniors is necessary. The work and success that Parkmore have achieved is something to behold, we are very privileged to have this opportunity to open our pathway with Michael and his team.
"Our aim is to utilize our 'corridor' and grow not only our own clubs, but football and sport in general throughout the surrounding areas.
"We look forward to a bright future and the challenges to come."
Springvale Districts last fielded an Under 19 team in the SFNL competition back in 1998.
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Parkmore President Michael Palma and Springvale Districts President Sean Francis seal the deal.[/caption]
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The two club presidents are all smiles. [/caption]
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Adam Sparrow meets the team at the launch of the new Parkmore Springvale Districts Under 19 alignment.[/caption]
