Seeking the Warriors’ next gen

THE Woady Yaloak Junior Football Netball Club is inviting new families to join them this year for the Auskick, NetSetGO, or Ballarat Junior Football Netball League season.

The club will host their 2023 sign-up day this Sunday, 26 February at Smythesdale Recreation Reserve from 10am to 12pm.

Potential players, parents and carers will be able to meet coaches, and registrations will be open for under 13, 11 and 9s footballers, 11 and under and 9 and under netballers, and Auskickers and NetSetGOers aged five to 10.

Woady Warriors who have already signed, or are signing on, are invited to start the season off with a kick of the footy, a shoot of the netball and a then a free family barbecue.

2023 will be the club’s fourth year in operation in the Golden Plains Shire’s north, attracting families from Haddon, Smythesdale and the broader Woady Yaloak area, and Ballarat’s western growth corridor.

“Our local community’s response, and their support, has been overwhelming in the last few years,” said president Adam Liversage.

“We’ve seen a flow on from other junior user groups at our home ground, such as the Woady Yaloak Athletic Club, over the winter months, and a lot of young families in our area.

“They’re enjoying being connected to something that’s local and community focused, with a nice, relaxed atmosphere.

“We’ve been able to surround ourselves with good people, and parents, who jump in and help; everyone chips in.”

Mr Liversage said any families who may not come from a football background but are interested to check the club out will discover a welcoming community with no expectations.

“It’s just a lot of fun, and there’s lots of opportunities for young people, and for girls to play footy,” he said.

“We have that real country atmosphere at Smythesdale. We’ve made it our home, and now we’re an affiliated club, we’re ready to go ahead with a lighting upgrade to enhance our facility.”

NetSetGO is being incorporated into the Wednesday evening netball program, and Auskick will return to its inaugural home at Haddon Recreation Reserve.

For all netball enquiries contact Brodie Doolan on [email protected] or 0439 448 717, and for all football enquiries contact Mark Ashmore on [email protected] or 0413 918 407.