The grassroots story behind the community sport movement

The Bendigo United junior soccer program opened registration for its expanded 2026 season on July 8 at Golden Square Oval, signing up 182 players in the first four days.

World Cup matches screened across the city have drawn new families into organised sport, with clubs reporting steady walk-ins since the group stage began last month.

Coaches at the Bendigo Sports and Leisure Centre on View Street run weekday clinics that feed directly into weekend games at Rosalind Park, where two full-size pitches were resurfaced in April using council funds allocated last year.

Strathfieldsaye residents can now walk to the new satellite training site opened in May on the corner of Strathfieldsaye Road and Wellington Street, cutting travel time for families who previously drove across town for sessions.

Club records show junior memberships rose from 1,140 in 2024 to 1,620 this year, with the $135 season fee covering insurance, uniforms and weekly coaching.

Local pathways built on existing fields

The program links directly to the Bendigo Football Association’s school holiday camps held each January at Lake Weeroona, where participants receive priority placement in the winter squads.

Equipment grants from the City of Greater Bendigo covered new goalposts and cones delivered to both sites last month, allowing groups to run simultaneous drills without sharing gear.

Next steps for families

Remaining registration spots close on July 19, with the first training block starting July 21 at Golden Square Oval for under-10s and under-12s.

Parents can collect forms at the Bendigo Sports and Leisure Centre reception or complete them online through the club website before the deadline.