Pitch In

What will the future of community sport look like - and who will make it happen? In the final episode of Pitch In, we look ahead to the next generation of volunteers, leaders and changemakers shaping grassroots sport across Australia. From young people discovering new pathways into leadership, to volunteers finding ways to stay connected to sport when life takes an unexpected turn, this episode explores how volunteering is changing — and why creating more flexible, inclusive and meaningful ways to contribute will be critical to the future of community sport. Guests: Ava Danholt, WA Cricket's 2023–24 Young Volunteer of the Year Greg Barnes, Spinifex Skateboards co-founder Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when sport stops being about winning and starts being about belonging? Across Australia, people are finding new and unexpected ways to get active, connect with others and build community. From parkrun and adventure races to fishing groups and grassroots outdoor events, informal sport is creating spaces where people can participate on their own terms. This episode explores the people challenging traditional ideas about what sport looks like – and proving that you don’t have to be an elite athlete, belong to a traditional club or even be particularly competitive to find your people through sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sport has the power to connect people across cultures. In one of the world's most multicultural nations, sporting clubs are often where friendships are formed, cultural understanding grows, and communities find a shared sense of belonging and connection. From welcoming newly arrived families to celebrating First Nations leadership and participation, sport creates opportunities to build stronger, more connected communities. This episode explores how sport can break down barriers, challenge prejudice, and create spaces where people from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, and included. Through the voices of community leaders working on the ground, we examine how local clubs are helping bridge cultural differences, strengthen social cohesion, and ensure everyone can participate. Guests Sam Escobar Shari Togo Molina AsthanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When disaster strikes, local sporting clubs often become far more than places to play - they become hubs for recovery, connection and hope. In Mallacoota, Victoria, a community surf program helped residents heal after the devastating 2019–20 bushfires. Many participants later went on to volunteer with the local surf lifesaving club, finding renewed purpose while rebuilding community connections. In Shepparton, Victoria, the 2022 floods devastated the Shepparton Swans Football & Netball Club, destroying its facilities. Through the dedication of volunteers and support from government and the AFL, the club rebuilt, demonstrating the vital role sport plays in restoring communities after disaster. Guests Jarrod Sutherland – President, Shepparton Swans Football Club Callista Cooper – Reclink Australia, Mallacoota, Victoria Lisa Hasker OAM – Former Chief Executive Officer, Vicsport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sport has the power to create connection, confidence and a sense of belonging - but only when everyone is genuinely welcomed. For people with disability, LGBTIQA+ participants, women, gender-diverse people and multicultural communities’ barriers to participation still exist, limiting opportunities to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of sport. This episode explores how removing those barriers and building inclusive environments - from accessible facilities to welcoming club cultures -creates stronger communities for everyone. We'll hear how inclusive programs provide safe spaces where all people can participate, connect and thrive. Guests: Tom Dixon - Play by the Rules, Melbourne Beck Colechin- Sydney Stingers Water Polo Club Brian Gardner - Illawarra Wheelchair Basketball, NSWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many elite athletes, the final whistle isn't the end of their sporting journey - it's the beginning of a new one. In this episode of Pitch In, we explore how former professional athletes return to the grassroots clubs and communities that first nurtured them, becoming coaches, mentors and volunteers who inspire the next generation. Through their stories, we hear how volunteers played a pivotal role in their own sporting journeys, and why giving back has become just as meaningful as competing. From local clubs to community programs, these athletes demonstrate that sport creates lifelong connections and strengthens local communities. Guests: Cathy Freeman AC – Melbourne, Victoria Chelsea Baker – Gladstone, Queensland Timmy Duggan – Darwin, Northern TerritorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 2 shines a spotlight on the hidden heroes of community sport - the volunteers who rarely make the headlines but are at the heart of every club. From canteen crews serving up game-day favourites to mascots bringing smiles to kids and families, these everyday champions do far more than keep things running smoothly. They create connection, foster belonging, and build the sense of community that turns sporting clubs into places where people feel at home. Through their dedication, they strengthen local communities and remind us that the real magic of sport isn't just what happens on the field - it's the people behind the scenes who keep the club alive. Guests: Laurie Marshall Joel Bardsley Lindsey Reece Produced by Community Broadcasting Association of AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the opening episode of Pitch In, we explore why community sport is one of Australia's greatest sources of connection. Host Lehmo travels across the country to meet the volunteers whose commitment has shaped clubs, strengthened communities and changed lives. From a 90-year-old archery coach inspiring generations, to a football club volunteer who found hope and support after unimaginable loss, and a regional sport leader championing grassroots clubs, each story reveals the profound impact of giving back. Together, they show that while sport may bring people together, it's the volunteers behind the scenes who create true belonging, strengthen communities and keep local sport alive. Guests Hans Wright, OAM (Frankston Archery Club, VIC) Samantha Saffioti (Roleystone Football Club, WA) Megan Carr (Valley Sport, Shepparton, VIC)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pitch In, hosted by Lehmo, is a podcast that explores the people who make community sport possible. While the moments on the field often steal the spotlight, this series uncovers the stories behind the game - of the volunteers whose dedication keeps clubs alive, strengthens communities and creates places where people belong. Travelling across Australia, Pitch In meets the coaches, committee members, parents and local leaders who give their time not for recognition, but because they believe in the power of community. Through powerful conversations and deeply personal stories, the series reveals how volunteering in sport builds connection, resilience and purpose, and why local clubs remain at the heart of communities across the country. More than a podcast about sport, Pitch In is a celebration of the people who show up, pitch in and make a lasting difference - revealing the human stories, quiet acts of generosity and lifelong commitment that sit at the heart of community sport in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.