Getting in the game: A parent’s guide to youth sport in Bendigo

Bendigo parents looking to get their children into organised sport this season have more options than ever, but navigating registration, costs and age requirements can be daunting for first-timers.

The timing matters. Winter sports such as AFL, netball and soccer are midway through their seasons, but summer codes, including cricket, basketball and tennis, are preparing for their pre-season trials in August and September. That makes July the window for families to plan ahead rather than scramble.

Where to start

The City of Greater Bendigo’s recreation team publishes an annual guide of affiliated clubs, which is available at the council’s customer service centre on Lyttleton Terrace and online. The document lists contact details, age brackets and registration fees for more than 80 clubs across the municipality.

Bendigo’s largest sporting precinct, the Bendigo Regional Tennis Centre at 21-35 Marong Road, runs weekly come-and-try sessions for children aged five to 12 through its Hot Shots program. Sessions cost $10 per child and include racquet hire. No previous experience is required, and parents can register on the day.

For team sports, the Bendigo Junior Football League, which covers AFL clubs from Kangaroo Flat to White Hills, typically opens registrations for the following season in late October. Fees vary by club, but most range from $150 to $300 per child, with sibling discounts and payment plans available.

Bendigo Netball Association, based at the Bendigo Stadium on Upper Road, offers a ‘NetSetGO’ program for girls and boys aged five to 10. The eight-week term costs $90 and includes a uniform pack. Sessions run on Saturday mornings from October to December.

What the research says

Sport Australia’s most recent AusPlay survey, published in 2025, showed that about 62 per cent of children aged five to 14 in regional Victoria participated in organised sport at least once a week. The most common barrier cited by parents was cost, followed by time commitments and a lack of local facilities within walking distance.

Bendigo Community Health Services runs a ‘Sport for All’ subsidy program that covers up to 50 per cent of registration fees for eligible low-income families, capped at $200 per child per year. Applications require a healthcare card and a letter from the club.

For families concerned about skill development, the City of Greater Bendigo’s ‘Active Kids’ initiative provides free introductory clinics in eight sports during school holidays. The next clinics are scheduled for the September school break, with details to be released on the council’s website in mid-August.

The bottom line: start with a call to the club secretary, most are listed on the council website, and ask about a trial session before committing to a full season. Most Bendigo clubs are volunteer-run and happy to accommodate newcomers.