The decision by the Ballarat Football Netball League to remove Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club from the 2026 fixture — just weeks before the season begins — will leave almost 150 children without a team and without a season of sport. The Woady Warriors, based in Smythesdale provides opportunity for rural kids to engage in sports, build friendships and be a part of a team. This was not merely a scheduling matter; it is a decision that directly sidelines young players who have trained, prepared, and eagerly anticipated playing with their friends at their local, community-based club. For many of these children, local sport provides connection, confidence, routine, and a strong sense of belonging — and that opportunity has now been taken away.
The removal of Woady Yaloak from the 2026 fixture has left our netballers, in particular, with no clear pathway to continue participating in the sport they love. At a time when we should be actively encouraging young girls to engage in sport and promoting equality of opportunity, the timing and manner of this decision have been deeply distressing. Many players are now facing disappointment and uncertainty, questioning why they have been excluded despite the exponential growth of netball within our club.
We are calling on our broader community to stand with these young athletes and seek a fair and immediate resolution. Children should not be forced to miss an entire season of sport due to administrative decisions. We urge the reinstatement of Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club into the 2026 fixture to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate and play at Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club
We are asking the community to sign and share this petition, urging the Ballarat Football Netball League to immediately reinstate Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club into the 2026 fixture.