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“We understand the impact local sport clubs have on communities. They\u02bcre not only a place for connection, but often the heart and spirit of their communities.\u02ee<\/p>\n
Walking through the doors at Harry Trott Oval for the first time last week, Mr Belling was in awe of the sense of community.<\/p>\n
“The reason why we do this is community, and the minute I stepped into the clubrooms here, I was heartened by the number of volunteers and athletes,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s the feeling you want to get when you are contributing support to a club and I really felt that here at South Bendigo. It was a big turnout.<\/p>\n
“Hearing how many teams they have got, football through to netball \u2013 it’s an impressive club.”<\/p>\n
Three years on from the Bloods’ full-time move to Harry Trott Oval, Mr Townsend said the club was fully reaping the rewards.<\/p>\n
“The transition from here to the QEO has been better than we actually thought,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We have really grown as a club and gotten closer as a club with the footballers and netballers all together, and our juniors are flying.<\/p>\n
“The main reason is the connection with the schools around us.<\/p>\n
“We are close to being one of the biggest junior clubs in Bendigo now, which is a huge change from when we were (based) at the QEO.<\/p>\n
“It’s been a great outcome for us.”<\/p>\n
Mr Townsend thanked Menulog for its generosity and support.<\/p>\n
“Partnering with a company like Menulog makes life so easy for us,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We are looking forward to a long-term partnership with them.”<\/p>\n
The Menulog grant announcement contributed to a massive week for the Bloods, with the senior football and A-grade netball teams winning their respective elimination finals on Sunday.<\/p>\n
A-reserve and B-reserve netball also advanced to the second week of finals with elimination final victories, while the reserves and under-18 footballers and B-grade netballers will put the double chance to use after coming up short in their qualifying finals.<\/p>\n