THE Keilor Park Football Club has informed its members and the EDFL that it will not be able to field open-age men’s teams in Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 or Division 2 Reserves in Season 2018.
The Club confirmed the news with EDFL management at Windy Hill last night.
“It is with a heavy heart that the KPFC Club have decided to withdraw our senior team for Season 2018,” the Club has said.
“The decision was agreed as the best way forward to ensure our senior side remain respected and capable of challenging the best in the League on a weekly basis far into the future.”
The Devils will go into recess at open-age men’s level for the 2018 season and will look to re-enter Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 in 2019.
A bye will replace Keilor Park in the 2018 Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 fixture.
“As a club we no longer accept living in uncertainty week to week and demand a sustainable future for our members, players and juniors,” the Club said.
“By resetting and reviewing every aspect of the club, we aim to regain the trust and respect of the footballing community.
“With the support of members, players, strong balance sheet and especially the EDFL, we are adamant of returning the Devils to senior ranks in 2019.
“We’d like to thank the League for their offer to provide guidance and assistance in not only developing a business plan, but also measures to ensure we don’t find ourselves in this position ever again.”
League CEO Craig Armstead has commended Keilor Park Football Club and thanked them for their handling of the situation and their transparency in dealing with the League throughout the process.
“On a positive note, Keilor Park will still be represented at Senior level in our new EDFL Women’s competition, which is very encouraging,” Armstead said.
“We’re also very encouraged by the fact that Keilor Park will field a full complement of Junior Boys teams and continue to develop a strong Auskick program.”
