Belmont Lions scraps junior registration fees

BELMONT Lions juniors will have their membership fees scrapped for the 2023 season as the club looks to drive up its junior participation numbers.

The removal of registration fees comes as cost of living pressures continue to hinder local families from participating in local football.

Belmont Lions co-junior coordinator Katrina Domonkos said the decision was made at the latest committee meeting as a way of giving back to current members.

“We as a committee thought it would be a great way to return some of our gratitude to our current Lions who have been loyal to us over the years.

“Not only that, but we wanted to invite the greater Geelong community to come to our club and have a free membership in the process.

“We want more kids to play sport, and this is a great chance for that to happen.”

Belmont fielded three junior sides in 2022, all of which were football. Ms Domonkos said about 60 children made up the three teams, but the primary goal was starting an inaugural junior netball side at Winter Reserve.

Katrina has been a part of the Belmont Lions community for seven years, and said the club has acted as a second family in that time.

“Like a lot of our committee members, I first started at the club as a parent, then the committee duties followed suit.

“Belmont truly is a family club, from our seniors down to our juniors, we all work together and as one.

“The club is so inclusive of people from every background, it’s a beautiful place to be and everyone knows one another.”

A community ‘Come and Try’ day will be held at Winter Reserve in February as junior ranks start to fill up. An exact date is still to be determined.

Those interested can reach out to the Belmont Lions via email at [email protected].