The grassroots story behind the community sport movement

More than 450 Bendigo residents signed up for new weekly training sessions at local grounds in the first week of July 2026, marking the largest single-month intake recorded by the city's sports organisers.

The timing aligns with Australia's national teams competing in the World Cup quarter-finals and other international events, which have prompted renewed focus on building participation at the neighbourhood level rather than relying on elite pathways alone.

Local clubs expand reach

Coaches at the Bendigo Football Netball Club, based near Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve, added extra junior and adult mixed sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after fields at Rosalind Park reached capacity. The Active Bendigo program, run from facilities along View Street, introduced a low-cost walking netball group that meets every Saturday morning at the same park to accommodate shift workers and families.

Registration data released on 10 July shows participation across these programs rose 25 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. Session fees remain at $12 per week for adults and $8 for juniors, with family passes available for $30, figures unchanged since the start of the year.

Next steps for residents

Anyone wanting to join can register online through the City of Greater Bendigo website or visit the information desk at the Bendigo Sports and Leisure Centre on 1 Bridge Street before 5 pm on weekdays. New groups begin on 20 July, with equipment provided on site for first-time participants.