Several parents contacted talkback radio last week, concerned that their children were being forced to play on Australia's most sacred day, and were unable to attend Anzac Day services with their families.

DDJFL general manager Shaun Connell said a few clubs had also expressed concerns, but after consultation with the state branch of the RSL and local sub-branches, the season would start on Anzac Day.

"We are not the only junior football league in Melbourne starting its season on Anzac Day. We are working closely with the state branch of the RSL to make sure that there is the appropriate respect and recognition on the day.

"We are not forcing kids to play - that's not our intention. If people want to go and acknowledge Anzac Day in other ways with their families, they are welcome to do so. The RSL doesn't want to discourage junior sport being played on the day.

"There was criticism that we play on Anzac Day and not on the Queen's birthday weekend, when in fact we play our representative games on that weekend."

The CEO of the Victorian Branch of the RSL, Michael Annett, said that while there was legislation on admission-paying sport being played in the morning, it didn't affect junior football.

"There is specific legislation around Anzac Day that prevents fee-paying amusements such as senior footy and commercial enterprises opening their doors before 1pm. The RSL is always very strong in support of that legislation and vigilant to make sure that no one contravenes that legislation.

"Junior sport in the morning doesn't offend that legislation because we are talking about activities that are voluntary, and don't pay admission.

"We would expect that the [junior football] clubs involved would approach their local RSLs - and I believe that's been done in the case of Dandenong - and put on a short commemorative service."

Dandenong Saints Football Club president Shaun Cornell said that while the issue was raised at a recent presidents' meeting, most clubs weren't opposed to playing on Anzac Day,

"As a club we are going to approach our local RSL to see we what we can do help to respect the day, and will also be holding a minute's silence before each game on Anzac Day."