A memorandum of understanding, signed on Friday by AWFA president Mark Leman and Murray chairman Darren Yates, maps out a shared vision for the sport with the ultimate aim of providing clearer pathways for players at both grassroots and elite levels.

Plans are in place to bring in dual-registration, allowing players to represent teams in both organisations, who will have shared access to the planned sporting precinct at Baranduda Fields.

"AWFA's the feeder to Murray United, that's how I see it," Leman said.

"Kids come through our miniroos program, coaches come into club football, they aspire to be better and that's why they head to Murray United.

"We want to make sure kids have that opportunity and having a united front makes the transition a lot smoother.

"It takes away any negativity and shows we're all on the same page. We're all here for football, for the community and to develop as many players as we possibly can."

Yates believes a better relationship with AWFA going forward is essential.

"There's been maturity in both organisations and acceptance that we need to co-exist and grow the sport together, to collaborate on and off the field, rather than competing for player or coach talent," Yates said.

"There are exciting times ahead for the sport, for our club and for the Albury-Wodonga Football Association with the Baranduda Fields development coming up soon.

"Our memorandum of understanding is a good step forward to work together towards that development and how that facility can be utilised by both organisations.

"We'd love to see participation levels grow from under-5 right through to seniors and over-35 level.

"The larger the base, the better off the sport is overall."

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Off the back of two COVID-ravaged seasons, Leman feels the partnership couldn't be more timely.

"We need to be on the same page," he said.

"We need to have a strong working relationship with each other and promote each other's product. We need to develop from the bottom upwards and we've broken the barriers down.

"There are no barriers any more, so let's walk side by side down this pathway of developing football.

"Clubs will see a more united front and we'll be more open to allowing kids to explore their options to play for Murray United.

"We're working hard in the background on dual-registration and we hope that will come to fruition early next year, so kids can do both.

"That would be great for the local community and great for the kids."

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