Fun, friendship, and footy at WJFC in 2026

by  WARRANDYTE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB
11th March 2026

PRE-SEASON training is in full swing for most teams, and the Warrandyte Junior Football Club is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season.
With games kicking off on April 19, the club is inviting new players and families to join a football community that puts participation, support, and friendship at the heart of everything it does.
WJFC is known for its welcoming culture, where kids are encouraged to have a go, learn the game at their own pace, and enjoy being part of a team.
Rather than a strong competitive focus, the emphasis is on skill development, teamwork, confidence, and fun, creating an environment where children feel safe, supported and keen to keep coming back.
This culture is backed by an engaged and friendly parent and carer community, resulting in strong volunteer support and dedicated coaches who genuinely care about the kids.
Players are encouraged to problem-solve on the field, learn from mistakes, and support one another, values that extend well beyond football.
And the approach works.
In 2025, WJFC proudly brought home three premiership flags, a reflection of what can be achieved when kids feel encouraged and connected.The club has also seen fantastic growth in girls football, now fielding girls’ teams in all age groups from Under 10 upwards.

Meanwhile, the highly successful AusKick program for three to seven-year-olds has led to strong numbers in the Under 8 and Under 9 teams.
The club is now keen to boost participation in the Under 10 to Under 16 age groups, where numbers have dipped in recent years, potentially due to the lingering impacts of COVID.
Local parent Gaynor Stanicic says junior footy has been incredibly positive for her son’s health and wellbeing.

“Moving his body and creating friendships has been so good for him.
“I really hope it sets him up for his future years.
“With so many kids spending more time on devices, having regular outdoor activity is so important for both physical and mental health, especially for young boys.
“My son has really found a passion for the sport.
“It’s increased his interest in AFL, and it’s funny seeing the boys bring goal celebrations and back pats from the games they’ve watched into their own matches.”

She also highlighted the strong sense of community across age groups.

“He has a great support network, not just with kids his own age, but also from older players, and he’s learning how to support younger kids too.
“When kids feel relaxed and supported in their peer groups, it gives them confidence in other areas of life, like school, and social situations.”

Club President Duncan Loydell, who commenced in the role in 2025, has been taking proactive steps to strengthen leadership, engagement and child safety across the club.
His focus is on ensuring every child feels supported, encouraged and valued throughout their football journey.
Duncan says, “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming new players and returning families into the WJFC community”.
New players, returning players, families and supporters are all welcome, because at WJFC, footy is about more than winning games; it’s about growing confident, connected kids.
If you’d like to learn more about joining WJFC, visit warrandytejfc.org or email secretary@warrandytejfc.org.