Gladman family leads the way in showcasing new sport

BALLARAT’S Gladman family has become one of the first in the state to embrace the new sport of J-Ball.

Siblings Nathan and Mahayla have dragged their parents Trevor and Cheryl out of the house and onto the J-Ball court.

They’ve grabbed the chance to join a sport they can play as a family.

“You might as well do these things when you are young,” said Nathan.

Trevor was one of the stars of the sport’s first season in Ballarat, showing a little bit of competitive spirit is all it takes to succeed.

He insists he is heading into retirement, but the rest of the family may not let that happen.

The new season of J-Ball starts this Friday night at the Ballarat Hockey Centre, opposite the aquatic centre on Gillies Street.

It’s a much more player-friendly surface than the original site on grass at the centre of the Llanberris Athletics track.

“It’s a lot easier on the turf surface,” said Nathan, who’s looking forward to the chance of using his pace to greater advantage.

Players use a plastic ice hockey stick to hit a modified ball, in teams of six. It’s designed to be safe, but extremely competitive.

The players who took part in Ballarat’s ground-breaking first season have almost universally agreed to continue with the sport.

The first games will begin at 7 o’clock Friday night. Players are encouraged to register through the J-Ball website but can also just turn up on the evening.

All playing equipment will be provided.