Earlier this year, the GVL announced it would expand its league to include a fourth competition, though was initially met with resistance from smaller towns such as Seymour, Euroa and Benalla, who had separate junior football leagues in place.
Seymour was included within the clubs who voted to include an under-16 competition in the league, though initially did not commit to fielding a team in 2020 as it consulted with the Seymour District Junior Football League.
The new-look Lions outfit will be led by coach Ben Davey, who was announced as the team's inaugural coach last week.
Former premiership player Ben Davey steps up to lead Seymour in 2020
Excited at the prospect of fielding an under-16 team for the club, Davey said it would fast-track the development of Seymour's junior football stocks.
“This under-16 league has been functioning in Shepparton for quite a while,” Davey said.
“My son (Jack) has played in it, and the quality of players, teams and the coaching has been really good.
“It’ll be a big step up for all our local boys.
“The quality will be better than what they are used to.”
Following his appointment, Davey said he was looking forward to the challenge of putting a competitive team on the field.
“I’m really looking forward to it, there is a really good crop of under-16 boys coming through,” he said.
“It will be really hard work, but they’ll grow really quickly.
“It should have a flow on effect for the Seymour Football Club.
“These boys will develop more and flow in to under-18 and then hopefully into really good senior football players.”
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