Sport
14 April, 2026
Maryborough Ravens ready for 2026 campaign
The Maryborough Reclink Football team is encouraging interested players, volunteers and community supporters to come on board ahead of their 2026 season.
Since resident Brett Pickering established the team in 2018, the Maryborough Ravens have been a part of the Reclink Central Victorian Football League, which offers participants from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo the chance to play regular football in a supportive and inclusive environment.
According to Reclink Football coordinator Rhan Harris, the program welcomes players of all abilities, genders and backgrounds, with competition rules focused on participation rather than elite performance.
“We have games and we keep score, but there’s no high emphasis placed on that. It’s really about giving everyone a go,” he said.
“It’s completely unique in terms of the player cohort, because we have players of all abilities. We’ve got ex-AFL players playing against someone who has never played in their life.
“We have modified rules for those identifying as having disability or a physical challenge that might stop them from playing football otherwise. Those players wear a vest, which identifies them to the umpires.
“If a vested player touches the ball with any part of their body, they are awarded a free kick. They also can’t be tackled in any way or contacted deliberately.
“There’s no cost to play either. A player can turn up and they’ll get transport, uniform and lunch provided.”
With the competition attempting to create opportunities for people who might otherwise miss out on organised sport, Harris said Reclink football opens doors for participants to broaden their social horizons.
“Footy is really just a medium to bring people together and whether it’s high-level sport or grassroots sports, it’s just about people finding a place where they are acknowledged for their contribution,” he said.
“Because football’s got such a unique place in the Australian cultural landscape, it works like nothing else in terms of bringing people together.
“Teams get off the bus and they’ll see their mates in the opposition, it’s like an all-in sort of approach instead of a us versus them.”
Despite the challenges of running a country sports team, dedicated volunteers such as Cindy Angel, Matt Burke and David Coomber keep the Ravens thriving by providing organisation, coaching, transport, and wellbeing support.
Angel said her involvement with the team comes from a passion to provide a positive outlet for participants navigating significant challenges in their lives.
“It gives me something to do to make more friends and help other people who need help,” she said.
“It means a lot to many people because a lot of people don’t have that interaction. Some people don’t have friends and when you come to football, you make friends for life.”
The Maryborough Ravens gather every Wednesday during the season, with matches played fortnightly. Lunch and equipment are provided at no cost, while transport is also supplied for away games.
Anyone interested in playing, volunteering, or supporting the Maryborough Reclink team can contact Cindy Angel on 0423 300 686.
“You don’t have to play if you don’t want to play, just come and see what you think,” Angel said.
“They all treat people like family and they all get on with each other and are a great bunch of people.”
For more information on the Reclink Central Victorian Football League, visit www.facebook.com/ ReclinkFootyCricketVic