News
Echuca-Moama clubs come together to push through border issues
FOOTBALL clubs in Echuca-Moama have come together to keep the next generation involved in the game they love.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The tightening of Victoria-NSW border restrictions last week has left Moama Football Netball Club on the outer alongside players from Echuca and Echuca United who live in NSW.
Under the restrictions, players cannot travel to either side of the Murray River for games or training sessions.
In a bid to overcome the problem, the two Echuca-based clubs have opened their doors to Moama players living in Victoria.
A temporary AFL Victoria COVID-19 permits allows players to change clubs for the 2020 before returning in 2021.
Echuca junior president Justin Hatfield said he had mixed feelings about what the clubs were enduring.
“It’s great some kids can play, but you feel for those who aren’t able to,” he said.
“All three clubs have been working through this issue since the very beginning because we’ve been trying to have an even spread of numbers.
“We don’t want it to be seen as if we’re poaching players because that’s not what we’re trying to do.
“We’ve already got some kids who have come from Kyabram and Tongala just for this season.”
United junior president Daryl Poole agreed.
“You feel for the kids living in Moama who are more restricted in terms of they can’t play in a competitive game,” he said.
“We’re all on a collective front to get the best outcome for all of our players.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with the other clubs throughout the entire process.”
Despite not being able to play in officials matches, Moama plans to hold practice matches and training sessions for its own players and any from the Echuca clubs caught up in the chaos.
Moama junior president Brad Langbourne said the most important thing was to keep kids involved in the game.
“It’s all going to be about having some fun,” he said.
“Last week, we had some kids play in the Shepparton District Junior Football League and they were over the moon to be back.
“But now, if there isn’t something for them to look forward to at the end of the week, some kids might wonder whether it’s all worth it.
“It’s disappointing we can’t cross the border but it’s out of our hands at the moment.”
Last week, club officials met with local members of parliament hoping to receive an exemption which would allow kids to travel between the twin towns.
And their push has received strong support from Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, who described the situation as farcical.
“How pointless – these children are kept apart at weekends but are all put together in the same classrooms on Monday mornings,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Goulburn Campaspe Junior Football League started over the weekend and the Shepparton District Junior Football League began last week – but no-one in Moama is allowed to be part of it.
“They can cross the border for school, for the doctor, but not for something to help keep them healthy and engaged – something I would have thought was even more important in this COVID era, when so many have been, or still are, in virtual lockdown.”
Mr Walsh said the local clubs and the league needed to fast track petitions and valid complaints and start pushing their case with both the Victorian and NSW governments.
“I am definitely happy to do what I can to get this ridiculous impasse sorted out,” he added.
“City-based people making these decisions just do not understand how things work in the country in general – and in river towns in particular.
“Echuca-Moama is basically the one town and people need to be going backwards and forwards all the time.
“While the priority for us all is to get Victoria’s infection rate down, and down fast, it is just incomprehensible that kids can’t all play in their local footy competition but they can all sit in the same classrooms every week.”
More sport news
Echuca's Brodie Kemp thrives in 12 months post injury