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

Valley Sport
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Valley Sport is the regional sports assembly supporting communities across seven local government areas - Murrindindi, Mitchell, Mansfield, Strathbogie, Benalla, Greater Shepparton and Moira Shires. We work alongside local clubs, leagues, and associations to provide guidance, resources, and practical support that help build strong, sustainable sporting organisations. Our focus is on helping community sport thrive — fostering participation, inclusion, and wellbeing through sport and active recreation.

  1. Aug 11

    Connecting Young People Through Sport and Community

    In this special International Youth Day episode of From the Mountains to the Murray, we're celebrating the incredible young people in our communities and highlighting the opportunities that help them thrive. This week, we take a closer look at the Connecting Youth Expo '26, coming to Greater Shepparton on Friday, September 5. The expo brings together local sporting clubs, community groups and organisations that provide activities, programs and support for young people across our region. We discuss why creating strong community connections is so important, how clubs can play a vital role in helping young people find their place, and why events like the Connecting Youth Expo make it easier for families to discover the wide range of opportunities available. Whether you're part of a sporting club, a community organisation, a parent or a young person looking to get involved, this episode showcases how working together can create healthier, more connected communities. 🎧 Listen now and discover how the Connecting Youth Expo '26 is helping connect young people with the clubs, activities and opportunities that make our region stronger.

  2. Jul 1

    Winning vs Development: What Really Matters in Junior Sport?

    In the final episode of our six-part junior sport series, we’re joined once again by registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to tackle one of the biggest debates in community sport: should the focus be on winning, or on developing young people? While competition is an important part of sport, what happens when results become the only measure of success? Joel explores how clubs, coaches and parents can strike the right balance between encouraging performance and creating environments where young athletes feel supported, valued and motivated to keep playing. Together, we discuss what success in junior sport should really look like, the dangers of identifying talent too early, why every child develops at their own pace, and the lifelong skills that sport can teach when development is placed at the centre of the experience. As we wrap up the series, Joel also reflects on the key themes we've explored over the past six episodes—from pressure and confidence to burnout, setbacks and parental influence—and shares his biggest takeaway for everyone involved in community sport. Whether you're a coach, parent, volunteer or committee member, this episode is a reminder that the greatest success a club can achieve isn't measured by premierships alone, but by creating an environment where young people develop confidence, resilience, friendships and a lifelong love of sport. If you're passionate about building stronger clubs and better sporting experiences for the next generation, this is the perfect way to conclude the series.

  3. Jun 30

    Selection, Rejection & Setbacks: Helping Young Athletes Bounce Back

    In episode five of our six-part junior sport series, we once again welcome psychologist and registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to discuss one of the toughest realities of sport — dealing with disappointment. Whether it's missing out on a representative team, not being selected for a finals side, suffering an injury, or simply experiencing a setback, every young athlete will face challenges throughout their sporting journey. The question is, how can parents, coaches and clubs help them respond in a healthy and constructive way? Joel explores why rejection can feel so personal for young athletes, how resilience is developed through setbacks, and the important role adults play in helping children maintain perspective and confidence during difficult moments. We also discuss the increasing focus on talent pathways and representative opportunities, why development isn't always a straight line, and how missing out today doesn't define an athlete's future. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents, coaches, volunteers and anyone supporting young people in sport, offering valuable strategies to help kids navigate disappointment while continuing to enjoy the game they love. If you've ever had to console a child after they missed out on a team or wondered how to help a young athlete bounce back stronger, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

  4. Jun 22

    Managing Risk and Responding to Child Safety Concerns

    In Part 2 of our Child Safety in Sport series, we continue the conversation with a child safety expert to explore what happens when concerns, complaints, or incidents arise within a sporting club. Knowing how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference to the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. In this episode, we discuss the steps clubs should take when issues are reported, how to manage risk effectively, and the importance of having clear processes in place before problems occur. We also look at practical strategies clubs can implement to proactively reduce risk, create safer environments, and build a culture where children, young people, and families feel supported and protected. Whether you're a committee member, coach, volunteer, or club administrator, this episode offers practical guidance to help your club be prepared, confident, and compliant when navigating child safety matters.

  5. Jun 18

    Child Safety in Sport: What Every Club Needs to Know

    In this important episode of the Valley Sport Podcast, we sit down with a child safety expert to unpack the legal responsibilities sporting clubs have when it comes to protecting children and young people. Creating a safe and inclusive environment is more than just good practice – it's a legal obligation. We discuss what clubs are required to do, the policies and procedures that must be in place, common areas where clubs can fall short, and practical steps volunteers and committee members can take to meet their responsibilities. Whether you're a club president, committee member, coach, volunteer, or administrator, this episode provides valuable insights to help your club understand its obligations and build a safer sporting environment for everyone.

  6. Jun 16

    When Kids Want to Quit Sport – Burnout, Dropout & Motivation

    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.

  7. May 31

    Confidence Isn’t Talent

    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.

  8. May 25

    From Shuttlecocks to Success: The Shepp Feathers Growth Story

    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.

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About

Valley Sport is the regional sports assembly supporting communities across seven local government areas - Murrindindi, Mitchell, Mansfield, Strathbogie, Benalla, Greater Shepparton and Moira Shires. We work alongside local clubs, leagues, and associations to provide guidance, resources, and practical support that help build strong, sustainable sporting organisations. Our focus is on helping community sport thrive — fostering participation, inclusion, and wellbeing through sport and active recreation.

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