sport
The grassroots story behind the community sport movement
Local clubs across Perth neighbourhoods are driving a surge in participation that outpaces the hype from international tournaments.
How we reported this
More than 2,800 residents signed up for winter training sessions at Perth community clubs between May and July this year.
The timing aligns with school holidays and cooler weather that draws families outdoors after months of indoor routines. International matches have filled screens, yet the real growth sits in backyards and park ovals where volunteers run drills without national broadcast deals.
Clubs in North Perth and Victoria Park
At the North Perth Community Centre on Fitzgerald Street, the junior soccer program added four new teams after Easter. Coaches meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening on the synthetic pitch behind the centre. Across the river in Victoria Park, the local netball association at the Harold Hawthorne Centre on Albany Highway opened registration for mixed adult leagues on 1 June, drawing players from as far as East Victoria Park and Burswood.
Both sites report waiting lists for the first time since 2019. The City of Perth recorded 1,450 new junior memberships across its affiliated clubs in the 2025-26 financial year, a 22 per cent rise from the previous season. Annual fees sit at $135 for under-12s and $185 for seniors, with subsidies available through the state Active Kids voucher scheme that covers $100 per child.
Next steps for families
Interested residents can visit the City of Perth website or call the North Perth centre on 9273 6200 before the next intake closes on 31 July. Sessions at Harold Hawthorne run on Wednesday nights from 6 pm, with equipment provided for first-timers.