The Yarra Junior Football League was formed in 1997 through the amalgamation of the Doncaster & Districts Junior Football League and the Hawthorn Districts Junior Football League and is now the largest stand alone junior football league in Australia.
In 2021 the League consists of:
- 32 clubs
- 502 total teams
- 122 female teams
- 10,761 players including 2,542 girls
- 437 umpires
- Over 5000 club volunteers
The YJFL’s large number of teams allows for grading of teams within each age group so that each team, as far as is possible, plays in a grade that is commensurate with the team’s ability. Grading games are played in Rounds 1-4 to determine if the Grade (Section) for teams should be varied for the remainder of the season.
PURPOSE
The Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) is a dedicated junior football league which provides an opportunity for all boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 18 in the east, north and north east regions of Melbourne to play and develop their skills in well structured and organised competitions, and at their own level.
The YJFL seeks to contribute to the community by ensuring all participants and their families feel accepted and catered for, and strives to support, encourage, motivate and guide clubs in applying best practice in the holistic development and welfare of players.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Have the best interests and wellbeing of all the children as the central focus, and provide an environment where players, coaches, umpires, officials and parents have an enjoyable experience.
- Encourage and promote participation of all children in the YJFL region in club football through schools and Auskick centres.
- Provide a well organised and structured football competition, including competitions which cater for the skill levels and development needs of all the children through grading of competitions. Provide opportunities for all players and umpires to develop their football skills and for the most talented players and umpires to develop and progress on the AFL pathway to the highest level they can achieve.
- Support clubs to provide caring, safe, respectful and non-discriminating environments for their families that recognise the diversity of the region and encourage people from all ethnic groups to become involved with AFL football.
- Provide resources and development opportunities to assist volunteer coaches, administrators and umpires in performing their roles, and encourage all volunteers to maintain the high standards of the YJFL.
- Be viewed as a leader in community football in Victoria, and maintain cooperative working relationships with the AFL, AFL Victoria and other football leagues. Work with the AFL, local Councils, State Government and clubs to provide the best facilities and opportunities to grow AFL football.
OUR VISION
To Provide the best possible environment in which our youth can participate in football
OUR MISSION
To increase the total number of both male and female football participants within our member clubs
OUR GOALS
PARTICIPATION – To increase the total number of participants at our member clubs
RETENTION – To assist clubs with the retention of players
PATHWAYS – To assist clubs in providing member pathways
FINANCIAL – To achieve financial independence
PEOPLE – To continue to improve the overall participant experience in the YJFL through the way we attract, develop and retain good people at league, club and team level
If you would like to obtain more information about the Yarra Junior Football League, please contact admin@yarrajfl.org.au