Bendigo banking on footy and netball

by RICHARD JONES

THE Bendigo Bank and Central Victorian Football have signed a two-year umbrella sponsorship deal which covers four leagues in the region.

A long-time supporter of district leagues around Bendigo, the Bank has now become allied with the major league in the area: the Bendigo Football League.

The newly minted Central Victorian Football operation, under CEO Steven Oliver, will continue to run football and netball in the area.

Oliver has a strong cachet in country Victorian football. Along with former state parliamentarian Ron Best, he's the only other player who has booted more than 1000 goals in the BFL.

Under the new deal, the Bendigo Bank will give its name to four leagues: the BFL, the Bendigo Junior Football League, the Heathcote and District Football League and the Loddon Valley Football League and their associated netball associations. Mr Oliver said at the launch the sponsorship would lighten the load for many volunteers who worked tirelessly, and without remuneration, to support CVF's football and netball competitions.

"Our main goal is to lighten the workload for volunteers and to make sure both supporters and participants enjoy what they are there for - the sport," he said.

Tim Rodda, the bank's regional manager for Bendigo and central Victoria, said the sponsorship was in keeping with his organisation's community focus.

Mr Rodda added the Bendigo Bank had individually sponsored the Loddon Valley League, the Bendigo Bombers in the VFL, the Bendigo Pioneers in the under-18 TAC Cup competition and the Heathcote league for some years now.

"We were very keen to jump on board (with Central Victorian Football) because of the sporting connection. Sport can lead to lifetime friendships as well as fostering health and well-being and very importantly, teamwork," he said.

11 April 2008

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