Blake Lee, The Buloke Times

Local sporting clubs provide an opportunity to bring people together, increase participation in sport, promote social connection and create a sense of belonging. 

In recent weeks, the Birchip-Watchem football and netball clubs have been fostering this opportunity by hosting buddy programs to build and strengthen bonds between senior and junior players.

Football

On July 29, under-14 football players were paired with a senior player as they participated in the pre-game preparations. Juniors took part in the pre-game meeting, team warm up, ran out with the players, participated in the on-field warm up and listened to captain Dale Hinkley’s pre-game speech on-field.

The Bulls trialled the program last year and were more than happy to implement it again in 2023. The buddy program allows senior players to connect with the junior players, which is an opportunity they would not otherwise have.

“Since 2021, Birchip-Watchem has adopted the motto, “Together We Charge,” said Steph Coffey, BWFC secretary.

“We are committed to operating in accordance with this motto and not simply use it as a catch phrase and the buddy program is an opportunity to increase the sense of connectedness between our senior and junior players.”

The juniors are able to gain valuable insight through this special program, something that Steph hopes will motivate them to keep playing football in the future. 
 
“Our juniors look up to the senior players and this program gives them someone they know that they can follow and learn from, to become a better player and more connected around the club. The seniors relish sharing their experiences with the eager young players who will hopefully become their teammates in the not-too-distant future,” she said.

Netball

The Birchip-Watchem netball club has also implemented a buddy program in recent months, connecting senior players with the under-17 players. 

“The netball club introduced a buddy program this year to develop connectedness across the junior and senior competitions – to encourage a more inclusive feel around the club,” said Kellie Matthews, BWNC “A” grade coach.

The netball club took a unique approach to pairing the junior and senior players, by asking every player to submit five clues about themself. Using these clues, players narrowed down their buddy by asking various questions to one another, finding out interesting facts about their team mates, such as one netballer used to play state cricket whilst another dated an AFL player.

Players were matched according to their Saturday positions, which allows the junior players to receive tips and advice from the senior players. The program has encouraged buddies to watch, support and encourage each other during their matches, including the under-17 Friday night tri-series competition. 

The senior players and their buddies have also participated in various off-court activities throughout the season including a “Have You Been Paying Attention?” quiz night that concluded with a free dinner, courtesy of Joshua Richmond and the BWNC.

Other activities included a fitness session and indoor games night, and tonight, August 8 there will be an Amazing Race followed by a meal prepared by the Birchip P-12 School hospitality students. The program will conclude with a Fast 5 tournament on Thursday, August 10. 

“As a senior player, it’s enabled us to find connections with the junior players, which we wouldn’t have had otherwise,” said Stacey Hamilton.

“Watching them have success on court has been amazing and even people who are not playing this season have noticed the bonds we have developed on and off the court.”

Sandie Richmond, BWNC president, said, “The program has been wonderful and we owe a huge “thank you” to Kellie Matthews for all her efforts getting the program up and running,” 

The buddy programs have highlighted the importance of establishing connections between senior and junior players, and the positive influence it can have on creating and promoting a healthier, safer and more family-friendly environment for the whole community. 

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 8 August 2023.