Sport
8 March, 2026
Kids play free: Rebacks new deal for youngsters
JUNIOR players will have a free run at Wedderburn this winter.
The Wedderburn Redbacks has dropped all fees for youngsters in its football, netball and hockey programs to boost participation in sport.
Club officials said absorbing thousands of dollars in membership and registration fees would also enhance the family-friendly focus of country sport.
“This will make it easier for parents and hopefully also encourage more people to use the wonderful facilities at Donaldson Pak,” said player and former president Chris Hargreaves.
“We want to have more youngsters participating in junior sport.”
Current president Rob Tonkin said: “It’s impossible for a country club to function without good involvement of juniors.
“With more juniors on the field and the netball courts, we can also encourage more parents to volunteer around the club.
“The more people who are involved the strong the club and the stronger our community.”
Hargreaves said: “The club will absorb thousands of dollars in player registration fees that are paid to state bodes.
“For footballers, that $80 a player while netball can be $150,” he said.
“That’s a big outlay for families, many who have several children playing at the club, before their children even play a game.”
Long-time club official Danny Fowles said the play-free drive would also help with encouraging new families in the district to be part of the club and the community.
Tonkin said: “Removing fees for all juniors across three codes is a practical way we can keep things strong for the town and the club.
“In fact, our membership fees have not been increased in eight years,” he said.
Tonkin said the club aimed for good numbers across all junior teams for the 2026 North Central season.
“We had really good numbers in the under 14 football last season - it can cyclic - and want to the continue that in the new season,” he said.
The Redbacks have appealed to the community to assist in raising funds that wIll offset the play-free policy for juniors.
A bowls night next Friday will be the first fundraising event.
“We want to keep bringing our community together and supporting the youngsters who are about to start their sporting journey,” Tonkin said.
“The youngsters are the future of our club, every club.”
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