24 Aug 2025
A brand-new futsal competition is launching in Horsham this October, bringing an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to get active, try something new, and connect through sport.
The competition will run from October through to March at the Holy Trinity Lutheran and Horsham Primary School stadiums. Competitions are open for children in under 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 age groups, as well as a mixed senior competition.
Creating More Pathways into Sport
The program is a partnership between Kelly Sports Bendigo, the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly (WRSA), and local schools. Its aim is to create more opportunities for participation, especially for multicultural communities and those facing financial barriers. Scholarships and funded places will be made available to ensure cost is not a barrier to being involved.
“It’s a great chance to get more people more active and we’re very keen to remove any of those barriers that might exist to people, whether that might be financial or it might be awareness of the program,” said Tony Caccaviello, WRSA Executive Officer.
“We’re very keen to link with multicultural communities and community groups and make sure there is access and representation, allowing them to participate in soccer or futsal.”
This initiative represents more than just a new competition – it’s about growing participation in soccer across the Wimmera region. The partnership creates a natural pathway for players to potentially join the Horsham and District Soccer Club and helps introduce futsal to our community for the first time.
Beau Cross from Kelly Sports Bendigo highlighted how the program serves as an ideal introduction to the sport: “It naturally provides a pathway for kids to join soccer clubs and, hopefully, at the end of summer, if kids haven’t found another sport or have grown a passion for the game, we want them to go and play with the Horsham soccer club.”
Community Impact
Paul Barnett, president of the Horsham and District Soccer Club, sees this as a significant opportunity to raise the profile of soccer in our region: “This partnership is massive for the club. A lot of people still don’t know we exist so it will be nice to get the word out there.”
“There’s not an offering for futsal at the moment, and if we can expand that, create interest for soccer and increase participants, it means greater things for the Wimmera,” added Caccaviello.
How to Get Involved
Ready to join the action? More details and registration forms can be found at https://www.kellysports.com.au/bendigo