Dear Club Members, Supporters, Players & Families,

Like all Clubs we understand the critical need of providing a complete pathway from Juniors (U8s – U16s) transitioning via U18.5s through to Reserves and Senior football.

In Season 2021, neither Club fielded an U18.5 men’s team as part of this pathway. That gap is one both Clubs are not prepared to repeat and as such we are committed to providing a complete and sustainable pathway for our Juniors in 2022 and beyond.

Therefore, we are pleased to announce that in Season 2022 an Avondale Heights FC/Moonee Valley FC combined U18.5 men’s team will be entered in the EDFL.

By forming a joint team, both clubs can:

• guarantee a pathway for the Season 2021 top aged U16s to remain at their current club;

• create an opportunity for players who decided to stand out of football in 2021 to return;

• create an opportunity for players who have previously moved to other clubs in order to play, to return and be part of this team; and

• have the ability to attract new players that are looking for a new club in their local area.

Making this decision and communicating it to you all is an insight into how the two clubs have been working together in recent weeks; with transparency, commitment and aligned aspirations around the importance and benefits of having an U18.5 men’s team.

The process is underway regarding the recruitment of coaches for this team. If you are interested in the role please contact info@mooneevalleyfc.com.au or president@ahfc.org.au.

Our main priority is to put together a squad of boys committed to this joint team with both Clubs in the process of contacting their respective players with the hope of coming together in a few weeks time.

For players that are interested in finding out more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch either via the Club email addresses or by contacting either President (phone numbers below).

Kind Regards,

Glen Graham (President AHFC – 0425 731 206) and Jason Hellwig (President MVFC – 0419 683 875)