Bendigo Youth Sports: Join Basketball, Cricket Programs Today

Bendigo is hosting the 2026 Code Sports NBL Blitz at Red Energy Arena from September 2-6, offering youth basketball action as a direct entry point for local players.

Upcoming Events at Red Energy Arena

The city has secured the Foot Locker Under-16 National Championships for two more years through 2027, bringing over 3,000 young athletes to Red Energy Arena. Families interested in these championships can monitor announcements from Athletics Bendigo and the event organisers listed on athleticsbendigo.org.au to register teams or attend as spectators. The NBL Blitz provides a shorter, focused window in early September for basketball-focused youth to participate in high-level competition without long-term travel commitments.

Scholarships and Club Grants

Sixteen young athletes from Bendigo received the 2025 Sports Star Scholarship to support their development through the Cyril Michelsen and Maxine Crouch Trust Fund. The Bendigo Cricket Club received a $2,600 grant from the Australian Sports Foundation to purchase junior equipment like helmets, stumps, and balls for its youth members. Young players or parents seeking similar support should contact their chosen club early in the season to learn about equipment needs and scholarship timelines tied to the Trust Fund.

Inclusion and Community Programs

The Bendigo Sports Inclusion Program, led by Bendigo Community Health Services, engages hundreds of youth from Karen and Afghan refugee communities in sports like soccer, volleyball, and cane ball. This program demonstrates how community health services coordinate regular sessions that welcome new participants from diverse backgrounds. Interested families can reach out to Bendigo Community Health Services to find session times and any equipment requirements for these activities.

These opportunities show that starting in Bendigo youth sports often begins with contacting established clubs or health services rather than waiting for major events. Checking the Australian Sports Foundation site for grant updates and following Athletics Bendigo for championship registration details provides the next practical steps for families ready to join.