Youth Sports Participation Data Highlights Bendigo Fitness Culture

Bendigo has secured the Foot Locker Under-16 National Championships for two more years through 2027, a development expected to draw more than 3,000 young visitors and deliver over $4 million in economic benefit to the city.

Programs Driving Participation

The Bendigo Sports Inclusion Program works with hundreds of Karen and Afghan former refugee youth through sports including soccer, volleyball, cane ball, basketball and netball. The program has recorded more than 1,300 total participants since 2019, providing regular activity opportunities that support ongoing involvement in physical exercise.

Targeted Support for Juniors

Bendigo Cricket Club received a $2,600 Active Kids grant in 2025 to buy junior equipment such as stumps, helmets and balls. Sixteen local young athletes also received 2025 Sports Star scholarships from the Cyril Michelsen and Maxine Crouch Trust Fund to assist their sporting development. These measures supply direct resources that help maintain access to organised sport.

Elite Events at Local Venues

The 2026 Code Sports NBL Blitz is scheduled at Red Energy Arena from September 2 to 6 and will feature elite youth basketball talent. Hosting the event at the established arena continues a pattern of using central facilities to stage competitions that attract participants and spectators.

These initiatives together illustrate consistent local investment in youth sport infrastructure and pathways. The combination of inclusion programs, equipment grants, scholarships and national-level events provides multiple entry points for young people to stay active. Continued delivery of the championships through 2027 will extend the same opportunities into the coming seasons.