Sport
1 November, 2025
Summer of choice for youngsters
JUNIOR tennis and coach clinics to engage Loddon youngsters with sport started last week.
JUNIOR tennis and coach clinics to engage Loddon youngsters with sport started last week.
Bridgewater launched its Get Into Cricket six-week program on Tuesday last week at 4.30pm.
And 20km away, the inaugural Hot Shot tennis clinic season was underway at Serpentine in giving families a choice to children to explore sporting options.
Cricket co-ordinator Prue Milgate is simply delighted to see alternatives available to Loddon Shire youngsters.
“Being able to offer two sports is such a positive for the Loddon Valley,” she said.
“The region is lacking in youth sport in the summer.
“Previously if I wanted more I could drive to Bendigo, but my neighbour may not be able to.”
Last year saw more than 60 children take part in the cricket clinic – this year has 44 registered to attend, with the tennis clinic taking away some kids.
Still, young cricketers are coming from Wedderburn, Dingee, Serpentine, Inglewood and Bridgewater for the free clinics, thanks to support from the Inglewood and District Community Bank.
Every session ends with a free sausage sizzle for kids, parents and volunteers.
“It’s a community gathering,” Milgate said.
“Everyone walks away fed after a social gathering and the parents haven’t had to spend anything.”
Serpentine’s eight-week tennis program is also free, with about a dozen young players attending the first session under coach Sam Howard and showing their enthusiasm despite persistent rain.
Co-ordinator Kia Hooke expected around 15 players to eventually join the weekly clinic, which is run by volunteers.
She said the timing the two clinics, which was due to the availability of the accredited cricket coach, wasn’t ideal, but agreed with Milgate that providing a new summer sport for young locals was welcome.
Next year, Hooke said, they would ensure the clinics don’t coincide with each other.
- GARY WALSH