BFL goes from strength to strength

It’s an exciting time ahead on the Balloon Football League front with the league’s popularity ensuring growth for the future. In 2016  key partnerships have been formed including one with AFL Victoria, which aims to support the growth of BFL and assist in registering BFL as a recognised sport.

Sport and Recreation Victoria have also committed to funding the inaugural Junior Balloon Football league over the next three years. Scope will provide the program to four schools each year with the intention of working towards an interschool competition and building pathways into participation in our existing leagues. Those who attended the recent BFL all stars match had a chance to see Nepean Special School have the first trial run of the program.

A new league for 2017 to respond to demand

Curently there are four BFL leagues. In 2017 we will launch a fifth league, the Northern League after hosting successful come and try days.

The increasing participation rate of people keen to be involved in the sport saw the Southern league welcome the Taipans team this year and we will see a new Saints team join the Bendigo league in 2017.

BFL is serious competition

Highlighting the growth and success was an All Star game where over 100 people from all around Victoria attended to see the best players from all four leagues compete for the prestigious All-star cup.

The finals in September were closely fought contests that provided great entertainment for those that attended.  Winners of Grand finals in each league were The Scope Community Group Bombers (West), Bulldogs (Bendigo), Scope Tiger Wheelies (South) and Super Stars (East).

Celebrating achievements at the John Bowen Awards Night

The Southern BFL League celebrated the end of the season at the annual John Bowen awards night in October. The event was held at Nazareth College where the school has been a long-time supporter and partner of the league.

Cade Johnston from the new Taipans team won the Southern Balloon Football Rising Star award while the winner of the main award, the John Bowen Perpetual Shield, went to Heather Barcham from the Redbacks.