EDENHOPE-APSLEY Football Netball Club has decided this week a merger with Border Districts for the 2018 season will not be possible.
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The club had been in discussions with Border Districts about a potential merger due to increased difficulty in attracting senior footballers to the club.
Saints president Carolyn Middleton said the merger would not go ahead due to the short time frame.
“Our constitution was investigated for a possible merger with Border Districts Football Netball Club in 2018,”she said.
“Difficulties arose from two associations merging from two states.
“Due process is long and lengthy and after seeking legal advice, this is unachievable in the time frame we have for the 2018 season.”
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The club was hoping to hold a vote with its financial members on the decision.
“Whether the vote was going to be a majority or not, it could not be done within the 2018 time frame,” Ms Middleton said.
The club held a community meeting last week to discuss the possibility of a merger.
“The community appeared shocked at the reality of the situation of country football and netball,” Ms Middleton said.
Ms Middleton said more needs to be done by clubs and AFL bodies to ensure the longevity of clubs such as hers.
“We feel that we are not alone,” she said.
“In order for country football and netball clubs to be sustainable in the future, something needs to be done by clubs and the AFL commission.”