Supermarket grant backs the Bulldogs

ALL-abilities netball club the Ballarat Bulldogs have been awarded a grant to support their operations.

The group has received an $8000 Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball grant, and club secretary Lexie Hardman said the money will cover the costs of upgrading equipment, assisting players with fees, and transport.

“We also want to promote our club to the next generation of netballers who might want to join us,” she said.

“We have a country conference round coming to Ballarat in September, so we’d like to promote that more, and be able to give out some healthy snacks to players, volunteers, and members of the public.”

The Ballarat Bulldogs netball squad is made up of both male and female players, and all ages are welcome, with the youngest team member currently 14 years old.

Local players have had their first opportunity to compete against other country region clubs this year, as part of monthly round robin tournaments. Some of the Bulldogs’ footy players are also netballers.

Ms Hardman said the club has a goal to also add a NetSetGO program for children to their offerings in 2024.

“We’d love to have juniors coming through,” she said.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said the Woolworths’ support of grassroots groups like the Bulldogs “does not go unnoticed.”

“Giving clubs the opportunity to grow, whilst also removing barriers for young players to eat healthier and keep more active is so important,” she said.

“We are really excited to see how the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grant winners use their funds over the next year to help more Aussies enjoy the sport we all love.”

As a not-for-profit, Ms Hardman said grants are important to the Bulldogs’ survival.

“We have to raise all our own funds, so all of us as volunteers are always trying to run raffles and raise as much as we can,” she said.

“As our players have disabilities, they can be at a financial disadvantage, so we try to help them as much as possible.

“Thanks to Woolworths. It’s going amazing help for the club, and our little up-and-coming team.”