Family-inspired club looking to grow

THE Woady Yaloak Warriors Football Netball Club are encouraging young families to join their community, hosting a come-and-try day this Sunday.

Offering Auskick, NetSetGO, and new addition Woolworths Cricket Blast in the coming months, the Warriors’ trial morning will see children from five to 12 focus on their footy and netball skills.

It’s also an opportunity to try out for the Club’s 2021 Ballarat Football Netball League Under Nine footy squad.

Parent and committee member James O’Dwyer got his eight-year-old son Aston involved in the Warriors last year. He said the new club’s community is friendly, family-centric, and welcoming.

“Being part of a club from the ground upwards has been a fantastic experience,” he said.

“We’ve seen it grow and come to fruition from just a vision. There’s been a lot of hard work, but to be part of the Warriors where we are now is very rewarding.”

If parents have a child that loves sport but experiences some anxiety in social situations, Mr O’Dwyer said it’s worth giving the club a go.

“My son tended to stand on the sidelines, but he’s grown when we’ve had back-to-back weeks of footy, and has made friends, seeing them on that weekly basis.

“I can’t recommend getting involved in the club highly enough. You don’t have to be from Haddon or Smythesdale to be part of our community either,” he said.

All committee members are currently parents of Warriors players, but they need “more hands on deck.”

“A lot of parents have a lot to give and offer. Many hands make light work. It’s my first opportunity to be on sports club committee,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“To be able to contribute and give back to club and community is great.”

The come-and-try day will run on Sunday, 21 February from 10am to 12pm at the Smythesdale Recreation Reserve.

Following the trial morning, the Auskick and NetSetGO programs will run at the Haddon Recreation Reserve.

The first Cricket Blast session was held last Tuesday, 16 February from 4pm to 5.15pm at Smythesdale Recreation Reserve.

Visit facebook.com/woadywarriors for more information on getting involved.