Club Bullish after 10 years

An outlet for people of all-abilities is celebrating its 10th birthday.

The Ballarat Bulldogs had a sponsors day at White Flat Oval this month as part of their year-long celebrations for the milestone.

Both the A Grade and C Grade footballers came home with a win, while their netballers secured victory in Horsham.

Secretary and team manager Lexie Hardman said the club had grown to more than 100 participants across football, netball and basketball. A soccer program is set to begin later in the year.

“All our programs are inclusive for all ages and abilities,” Hardman said. “We just create that safe, supportive, accessible environment where players can come and build skills and confidence, friendships, just giving them the opportunity.”

She said it was important to celebrate the milestone as it highlighted the connection the club had with the Ballarat community and the opportunity it offered residents to participate.

“It’s just great for the guys that have been around the club for the 10 years to recognise that,” Hardman said.

“Great for the new people that are around the club to show how we are valued and connected and we’re supported by the Ballarat community.

“Some players say it’s the first time they’ve been a part of a team.”

She said the club did a lot of other programs such as football clinics and visits to specialist schools and disability networks.

“We’re a program for people with disability but we also build social networks for them and reduce their isolation,” she said.

She said the club would continue to look at other sport and mental health programs as well as potential facilities.

The club is always looking for more sponsors and volunteers to help run its programs.

More information at the club’s Facebook page and ballaratbulldogs.com.au