THE AFL has announced an $18 million, three-year boost for Victorian country football.
On Tuesday, the League revealed a significant chunk of the funding would flow from the abolishment of AFL Victoria affiliation fees, saving country clubs $3.22 million a year.
Umpire registration fees will also be scrapped, while the cost of club apparel will be reduced considerably.
As part of the arrangement, $950,000 will be made available to help club volunteers through digital and in-person support with administration, policy and breaches involving safeguarding children, social media and vilification.
Almost $2 million will also be dedicated to a strategic community investment fund and village hubs, which will assist club needs and work towards aligning schools with community and AFL clubs.
The Victorian state government will provide almost $1 million over the three-year period.
Total savings based on removal of affiliation feesREGION TOTAL SAVINGS
AFL Barwon $ 404,010
AFL Central Murray $ 73,607
AFL Central Victoria $ 229,480
AFL Gippsland $ 284,662
AFL Goldfields $ 471,097
AFL Goulburn Murray $ 210,207
AFL North East Border $ 235,230
AFL Outer East $ 397,359
AFL South East $ 450,743
AFL Sunraysia $ 61,404
AFL Western District $ 254,886
AFL Wimmera Mallee $ 80,237
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-09-16/massive-18m-funding-boost-for-country-football-in-victoria