THE Karoonda Districts Football Club could be forced to merge with another club as it battles to find enough numbers to field a senior side in the Mallee Football League this season.
A crisis meeting attracting more than 60 people was held at the Karoonda clubrooms on Sunday, where it became apparent a lack of numbers was a serious concern for the club this season.
Karoonda Districts Football Club president Ty Mickan said the club would meet at its annual general meeting in two weeks’ time to decide whether to fold now or continue this season and merge with another club next year.
“We want to do what is best for the club; not just now but in the future,” he said.
Karoonda Districts Football Club committee member and past president David Arbon said the club had experienced a significant drop in numbers in the past few years.
“The biggest problem is lack of numbers,” he said.
“We just don’t have the local players any more; we have had to buy them in for the last few years and that’s not sustainable in the long term.
“We are still desperately trying to find players so we can fill at least one side.”
Arbon said the club would be engaging in talks with other clubs during the season and a merge was likely next year.
“In the long term we will have to amalgamate,” Arbon said.
“It’s come to the crunch time, we have to do something now.
“We are trying to get going and spend the year talking to clubs and looking at all options.”
Arbon listed fellow Mallee club Peake as a merging option, along with River Murray Football League club Tailem Bend.
“Tailem Bend is probably a pretty strong possibility,” Arbon said.
“It is not far away from Karoonda.”
Tailem Bend Football Club president Lloyd Downs said his club would consider merging with Karoonda should the option become available.
“We would certainly consider it,” Downs said.
“From my point of view the sooner the better.
“At this point in time it sounds like there is a big problem.”
Downs said Tailem Bend committee members where hoping to meet with Karoonda committee members to discuss the possibilities of an amalgamation.
“We are definitely open to any discussion with them,” he said.
“If they wish to sit down and talk to us we are all for that.
“We would welcome a meeting with open arms.”
Mickan said he believed a merge with Karoonda would be appealing to other clubs as it had a strong netball club, good junior numbers, some high quality A grade footballers and fantastic facilities.
“We believe the club has a lot to offer in any amalgamation negotiations that may occur,” he said.
Mallee Football League president Leighton Huxtable said Karoonda’s crisis was a concern for the Mallee league.
“We hope they can continue having a side in our league,” he said.
“There is always doubt with some of the teams here.
“But there is very little you can do to help struggling clubs out.
“There is no magic formula.”
Anyone interested in playing A grade should contact the Karoonda Districts Football Club president Ty Mickan on 0427 781 049.
Email a friend