Collaboration encouraged between Surf Coast clubs

Local sporting clubs last week attended a roundtable and planning workshop to address the ongoing challenges facing sport in the Surf Coast region.

The event was hosted by Leisure Networks in partnership with the Surf Coast Shire and focused on the changes that have occurred in membership, collaboration, the sharing of success and ideas for the future.

Surf Coast Football Club, Torquay Pickleball, Torquay Hockey Club, Surf Coast Netball Association and Surf Coast Little Athletics Club were all in attendance.

The clubs shared their views on leadership, inclusion, club culture, healthy volunteer workforce, engagement with the community and fun in sport.

Another common theme of the workshop was the challenges in growth in membership.

The Surf Coast Soccer Club had 350 members before the pandemic and has now grown to more than 800 members. It is estimated to reach 1,000 members in 2026.

The Surf Coast Netball Association also has 800 members, while pickleball is on the rise, with 400 participants in the area – the second highest in Victoria.

The opening of Banyul Warri Fields this season is also expected to boost hockey participation.

Leisure Networks manager of sport recreation and health, Andrew Crowley, said the workshop created valuable opportunities for clubs to connect.

“It was great to get the clubs together and talk about how they can work together in planning to have welcoming, safe and inclusive clubs,” he said. “Leisure Networks was very pleased that we were able to facilitate an environment where clubs could share ideas about best practice in community sport.”