In October the league’s board accepted West Ivanhoe’s application to compete in the junior competition.
That acceptance was last night ratified by NFL member clubs at Watermarc Aquatic Centre following a presentation from West Ivanhoe JFC president David Dillon and vice-president Cameron Harper.
NFL chief executive Jeremy Bourke said West Ivanhoe’s introduction would further strengthen the league’s junior competition.
“The West Ivanhoe area and its surrounds have experienced significant growth and change over the past few years,” he said.
“The West Ivanhoe Sporting Club has supported an Auskick program for a number of years now and demand for a junior extension has resulted in the creation of the West Ivanhoe JFC.
“The club’s impressive presentation to NFL members along with the professionalism they have shown through the application process demonstrates they will be a valued member of the league.”
West Ivanhoe’s presentation outlined the wealth of support the new club had received from the local community, in particular from local schools and businesses.
The club has evolved from the Ivanhoe Auskick centre and club officials anticipate fielding two teams next season, with an under-9s team already confirmed and either an under-10s or under-11s team to also take to the field.
West Ivanhoe will play home matches at Ivanhoe’s Seddon Reserve with work set to commence shortly on facility upgrades.
The club’s nickname will be the Roosters with its teams to wear a blue jumper with a white vee.
West Ivanhoe will be the fourth junior club to join the NFL within the past three years following the introduction of Kinglake in 2012 and Laurimar and Bundoora Park in 2011.
Whilst the club has now been officially accepted by the Northern Football League, AFL Victoria is yet to give its approval following an objection from the Yarra Junior Football League.
A hearing with AFL Victoria has been set for November 30 with both the NFL and West Ivanhoe JFC confident of a positive outcome.
