By MARLENE MILLOTT
THE South Belgrave Saints will be marching into the Eastern Football League in 2015, as the Junior footballers move up to meet the Saints Seniors.
The move will unite the Saints as one club, following a successful year for the Juniors in the Dandenong Ranges Football League.
This included the powerful Under 14s team who went undefeated throughout the season to win the premiership.
Club president Hugh Stern is delighted that the Saints will now be able to share resources and operate as one club.
“We are now able to focus on development programs, share resources and more importantly focus on a one club approach,” Mr Stern said.
Mr Stern believes the move will enable Juniors to adapt to the EFL style of football, allowing a smoother transition into senior level.
“It allows the junior players to play on bigger grounds, they will grow up and get used to the style of football that is played in the EFL and be ready made EFL senior footballers,” he said.
The Juniors follow the Seniors who moved from the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League in 2008.
To coincide with the move, the senior jumper will be phased into use for the Junior sides, symbolising the Saints’ success and unity.
Work on a project to develop the club’s home at the Belgrave South Recreation Reserve will also begin next year. The ground will be made larger, and a multi-million dollar facility will be built.
