By Jena Carr
Football and netball clubs across the Geelong and Barwon region will wear yellow socks and ribbons while participating in a special inclusion match.
St Joseph’s Football Netball Club and Geelong West Giants’ senior football and A Grade netball teams will participate in Leisure Networks and AFL Barwon’s first-ever inclusion round from August 2 to 4.
AFL Barwon regional manager Edward Wilson said the weekend would also feature a Joeys and Giants senior football match, netball matches, and four all-abilities football and netball matches.
“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who contributes to inclusive environments, no matter how defined the impact is,” he said
“(It helps) to elevate the importance that inclusive environments can positively attribute to sporting clubs and all members within their respective communities.”
Leisure Networks also partnered with Geelong United Basketball and Welcoming Australia to deliver a free active inclusion workshop for community clubs on Tuesday, July 30.
Fifteen clubs attended the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct workshop for an interactive session to empower participants and educate clubs on inclusivity in community sports.
Leisure Networks club development program coordinator Jarrod Evans said the “workshop went really well” and that inclusion in sports is “something that all clubs should aspire to work towards”.
“It’s really exciting to be able to put on an event that builds the capacity of community clubs to provide opportunities for everyone in the community,” he said.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in sport and recreation, whether that’s as a player, volunteer, member, or coach, and sport brings a lot of benefits for people in the community.”
The workshop, supported by City of Greater Geelong, also leads into a new four-week introductory basketball program for women and girls, Girls Who bALL, supported by the state government.
