Valley Sport Podcast - Sport and Community - From the Mountains to the Murray

In episode four of our six-part junior sport series, we once again sit down registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to discuss a challenge facing clubs right across Australia — why young people are walking away from sport.While sport has the power to build confidence, friendships and lifelong memories, many young athletes lose their passion for the game during their teenage years. But why does this happen? Is it pressure, burnout, unrealistic expectations, overscheduling, or simply a loss of enjoyment?Joel helps unpack the warning signs of burnout, the factors that influence motivation, and the role parents, coaches and clubs can play in creating environments where young athletes want to stay involved for the long term.This episode is packed with practical advice and valuable insights for anyone involved in community sport, with a focus on helping young people develop healthy, sustainable relationships with sport that last well beyond their junior years.Whether you're a coach, parent, volunteer or athlete, this is an important conversation about keeping the fun in sport and ensuring the next generation continues to experience all the benefits that community sport has to offer.

In episode three of our six-part junior sport series, we sit down once again with registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to explore one of the biggest factors in a young athlete’s sporting journey — confidence.Is confidence something kids are simply born with, or is it shaped by the environments around them? From coaches and parents to teammates, social media and performance expectations, we unpack the many factors that influence how young athletes see themselves both on and off the field.Joel shares practical insights into how confidence is built, why resilience matters just as much as talent, and how adults involved in local sport can help create environments where kids feel supported to learn, grow and enjoy the game.This is a valuable conversation for parents, coaches, volunteers and young athletes alike, focused on helping kids build healthy self-belief and positive lifelong connections to sport.

This week on From The Mountains to the Murray, we head to the courts with the team from the Shepp Feathers Badminton Club to unpack one of regional sport’s great growth stories.What started as just a handful of passionate players has quickly grown into a thriving community club with more than 200 members — creating connections, opportunities, and a welcoming environment for people of all ages and backgrounds.In this episode, we chat about how the club first began, the challenges and wins along the way, and the key ingredients behind their incredible growth. It’s a fantastic conversation about the power of community sport, building belonging, and why creating an inclusive and welcoming culture can make all the difference.

This week on From The Mountains to the Murray, the Valley Sport podcast shines a spotlight on the heartbeat of community sport – our volunteers.We sit down with a group of incredible local club volunteers to unpack their stories, explore why they give their time so generously, what they get out of being involved, and what a typical day behind the scenes really looks like. From canteen shifts and committee meetings to coaching, fundraising and everything in between, these conversations celebrate the people who keep community sport alive.Whether you’re already involved in your local club or have thought about lending a hand, this episode is a reminder of the impact volunteers make and why so many would encourage others to give it a go.

In this episode, we’re joined again by registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to explore the powerful role parents play in junior sport.From the sidelines to the car ride home, parents can have a lasting impact on how kids experience sport—shaping their confidence, enjoyment, and long-term involvement. Joel unpacks what supportive behaviour really looks like, the common traps many well-meaning parents fall into, and how small changes can make a big difference.This is an honest and practical conversation about finding the right balance—being involved without adding pressure, and helping kids thrive in sport for the right reasons.Whether you’re cheering from the boundary or supporting behind the scenes, this episode offers valuable insights to help create a more positive sporting experience for young athletes.

In this episode, we sit down with registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to unpack one of the biggest challenges in junior sport right now—pressure.From selection stress and sideline expectations to the growing influence of social media and early talent pathways, Joel shares what’s really going on inside the minds of young athletes. We explore where this pressure comes from, how it shows up, and the long-term impact it can have on confidence, enjoyment, and development.This conversation isn’t about blaming parents or coaches—it’s about understanding the environment we’re creating in local sport, and how we can better support kids to stay in the game for the long run.If you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete, this is a must-listen episode full of practical insights and honest discussion about what really matters in junior sport.

This week on From The Mountains To The Murray, we’re joined by Jacqui McConville from JMX Solutions—an expert in conflict management and dispute resolution—to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing local clubs and community groups.Jacqui dives into the common conflicts clubs face, why they escalate, and how committees and volunteers can better manage difficult situations. From internal disagreements to member disputes, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice.We also take a closer look at the Club Conflict Compass Workshop, an upcoming opportunity for clubs across the Valley Sport region. Jacqui shares what attendees can expect, the tools and strategies they’ll gain, and how the workshop can help create stronger, more connected clubs.If you're involved in community sport, this is a must-listen to help you lead with clarity and confidence when it matters most.🎧 Tune in now and start navigating conflict the right way.

In this episode of From The Mountains To The Murray, the team heads to Shepparton following Valley Sport’s Inclusive Coaching Workshop — a powerful session focused on helping local coaches create environments where everyone feels welcome, valued and supported.We’re joined by Nick Antonello from the Shepparton Swimming Club and Chris Nicholson from the Shepparton Runners Club to reflect on the workshop, discuss the importance of inclusion in community sport, and share how clubs can take practical steps to make trainings, game days and club culture more accessible for all.We’re also joined by guest speaker Adam Georgelin, who shares his insights from the night and highlights why inclusive coaching is not just a philosophy — it’s a responsibility.

On this week’s episode of Valley Sport: From the Mountains to the Murray, we’re joined by Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, Australian Sports Commission Program Manager for Industry Projects Nick Abroms, and Valley Sport Executive Officer Megan Carr for an important conversation about the future of community sport.Together, we explore the real barriers preventing underrepresented communities from fully participating in local sport — and how councils, state bodies, and national organisations are working collaboratively to remove them. From governance and volunteering challenges to inclusion, accessibility and cultural safety, this episode dives into what it truly takes to build safe, welcoming and vibrant sporting clubs.These discussions come ahead of one of three community consultations led by the Australian Sports Commission’s Sports Volunteer Coalition, designed to better understand the challenges facing volunteers and communities across the region.If you care about the strength, sustainability and inclusivity of grassroots sport, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this special episode of From the Mountains to the Murray, we unveil Valley Sport’s new strategic plan and explore the roadmap guiding our mission to create better lives through sport.Hosted by Valley Sport Project Officer Nate Dedman, this conversation features Valley Sport Chair Belinda Conna, Board Member Mark Bamford, and Executive Officer Megan Carr. Together, they share insights into how the new strategy was shaped, why it matters for our region, and what it means for clubs, volunteers and communities across the region.We also dive into Belinda and Mark’s personal journeys into sport leadership, reflect on some of their favourite sporting experiences, and discuss the real challenges grassroots clubs are facing today — from participation pressures to sustainability and volunteer capacity.Join us as we look ahead with clarity and purpose, strengthening sport from the mountains to the Murray.

In this episode of From the Mountains to the Murray, Valley Sport hits the road to visit the Broadford Bowls Club and explore how grassroots clubs are building stronger, more sustainable futures.Through Valley Sport’s Club Hubs program, supported by Sport and Recreation Victoria via the Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program, the Broadford Bowls Club has been working to strengthen its foundations both on and off the green. From child safety compliance and RSA training to a constitutional review and governance support, Valley Sport has partnered with the club to help secure its long-term future.Hear directly from club representatives as they share the impact of this support, the progress they’ve made, and the real challenges faced by local sporting clubs across the region. It’s an honest conversation about volunteers, compliance, sustainability, and what it takes to keep community sport thriving.

In this episode of From The Mountains to the Murray, we shine a spotlight on the club development and training opportunities Valley Sport will be delivering across the region in 2026.From dispute resolution training for club volunteers to Responsible Service of Alcohol courses, Respect in Sport workshops, ASD coaches education, and computer upskilling for volunteers, Valley Sport is committed to supporting the people who keep community sport running.Tune in to learn how these free support programs can help build stronger, more inclusive, and better-equipped clubs—on and off the field—and how your club or volunteers can get involved.

In this episode of Sport and Community – From the Mountains to the Murray, Valley Sport explores the vital topic of child safety in community sporting clubs.We discuss what child safety means in a sporting context, the legal requirements clubs must meet, and what is expected of local committees, volunteers, coaches, and officials. The conversation also highlights how Valley Sport supports clubs across the region to understand their obligations, build safe environments, and become compliant with child safety standards.This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in community sport who wants to ensure their club is safe, welcoming, and compliant for all children and young people.

In the debut episode of Sport and Community: From the Mountains to the Murray, we sit down with Valley Sport Board Member Mark Lambourn and Valley Sport Executive Officer Megan Carr for an honest and uplifting conversation about the heartbeat of regional sport.Mark and Megan share their personal journeys in community sport, reflect on the dedication of local volunteers, and unpack the real-world challenges that clubs face across our region. They also shed light on the vital support, advocacy, and resources that Valley Sport provides to help clubs thrive.Whether you're a committee member, volunteer, or simply passionate about local sport, this episode sets the tone for a series that celebrates the people and stories powering community sport from the Mountains to the Murray.