Barwon Football and Netball clubs encouraged to book Read the Play’s Huddle Up program in 2026

Football and netball clubs across the Barwon region are being encouraged to book a Read the Play session in 2026, with a strong focus on the organisation’s Huddle Up program.

The call comes following the release of national data highlighting the prevalence of cyberbullying connected to junior sport. The report, released by the eSafety Commissioner in partnership with Sports Integrity Australia, found nearly one in five young athletes have experienced cyberbullying linked to community sport.

Read the Play has been responding to this issue for almost a decade through its Huddle Up program, which supports young people to better understand cyberbullying, respectful online behaviour, peer pressure, help-seeking and the role they can play in creating safer club environments.

Since 2021, more than 2,100 young people have participated in Huddle Up across community sporting clubs and groups.

Read the Play’s own program data shows the issue remains highly relevant for young people in community sport, with almost two in five Huddle Up participants reporting that they or someone they know had experienced cyberbullying. Of those, only one in four said they or their friend had sought help.

Encouragingly, Read the Play’s 2025 data also showed strong outcomes, with 91 per cent of participants reporting increased confidence in accessing support if they or someone they knew was being cyberbullied, while 88 per cent said the program improved their understanding of cyberbullying and ways to reduce its impact.

As the governing body for football and netball in the Barwon region, we recognise the important role clubs play in creating safe, respectful and supportive environments for young people. Cyberbullying and online behaviour are no longer issues that sit outside club life. They are part of the modern sporting environment and clubs need practical, age-appropriate support to help young people navigate them.

In 2026, Read the Play’s Huddle Up program will be a key focus for delivery across football and netball clubs.

The program is available free to local clubs and is recommended for young people aged 14 to 16 years.

Clubs are encouraged to book their Read the Play session early and make Huddle Up part of their 2026 wellbeing and player development planning.

Book your Read the Play session:
https://readtheplay.org.au/club-bookings/