Woady club to welcome new warriors

Heads up: Junior footballers like Nate, Issac, and Leroy, who are interested in playing in 2024, are invited to a Woady Warriors come-and-try morning in Smythesdale. Photo: MICHAEL CURRIE

AS Ballarat’s west expands, and the Golden Plains Shire booms in its north, the Woady Warriors Junior Football Netball Club are seeking to get stronger.

The group’s leaders are encouraging children aged four to 13, and their families, to be part of their next footy-focused come-and-try day on Sunday 19 November, and consider joining up.

Potential under nine, 11, and 13 footballers, both girls and boys, can attend Smythesdale Recreation Reserve from 10am to 12pm to have a go at the game, with the support of coaches.

“Any families new to football and netball clubs are welcome to ask questions,” said club president Adam Liversage.

“We’re cooking up a free barbecue, people can have a look around the facility, talk to the club about how to register, and see what our football teams are looking like for the Ballarat Junior Football Netball League next year.”

As the popularity of women’s sport booms, and participation lifts, Liversage said the Warriors are supporting the next generation of female athletes to succeed and have fun.

“The bulk of our girls’ participation is in the netball program, however we welcome girls to Auskick, and our under nines, 11s and 13s footy program,” he said.

“In our development, we’ve had a high representation of girls. We had five or six girls in under-13s footy last year, which was fantastic.

“We welcome girls with or without experience. We’re also planning an AFLW clinic in March next year.”

The Warriors play in the BFNL, and run an Auskick program, but Liversage said what happens off the field is just as important for the club.

“We try and create memories for kids and have a lot of fun,” he said. “We do value that.

“We have created a real community feel at our club where families can connect, and we’re quite happy for younger siblings to come along and have a run around the oval with the Auskick kids, even though they can’t register.

“We don’t like turning any kids away, so little toddlers are welcome to run around.”

Although the morning isn’t a netball come-and-try event, a NetSetGO clinic for kids between four and 10 will run.