2026 Training Schedule Update: What Families Need to Know

With registrations now (mostly) complete and the 2026 season approaching, we know many families are eager to lock in their weekly schedules and get the kids back on the oval. Here's what we know about training arrangements and what to expect in the coming weeks.

The Short Answer: March (Most Likely)

Club training at H P Zwar Reserve will commence once our cricket club co-tenants have completed their season. The exact timing is difficult to pinpoint as it depends on whether they make finals, followed by Darebin Council transitioning the ground from summer to winter mode (think: goalposts up, ground preparation, the works).

We're expecting this to happen sometime in March, and we'll send out announcements as soon as we have confirmation.

In the Meantime: Interim Arrangements

While we wait for full access to Zwar, some teams are already getting together:

• Older teams have access to Zwar Reserve on Wednesday afternoons (no football boots – ground protection during the handover period)

• Various teams are making use of other Darebin facilities on different days

Your team coach will be in touch via the Stack Team App with specific arrangements for your group.

When Regular Training Resumes

Once training returns to HP Zwar Reserve (and Ruthven Reserve where indicated), we'll follow the attached training schedule.

Training times are determined by two key factors:

1. Coach availability – Our coaches are volunteers juggling work, family, and footy, and we're grateful for their commitment

2. Ground availability – We share facilities with other clubs and programs across Darebin

Your team's specific training day and time will be communicated through your team channel on the Stack Team App once we have confirmed access to the grounds.

Stay Connected

This is exactly why we use the Stack Team App for most club communications. If you haven't already:

• Download the app from teamapp.com

• Make sure you're in your child's team channel

• Turn on notifications so you don't miss important updates

Team-specific information about training times, location changes, and any interim arrangements will come through the app over the next few weeks.

We Appreciate Your Patience

We know everyone's eager to get stuck into the season, and we're working hard behind the scenes to finalize everything as quickly as possible. Our coaches are renegotiating work schedules and family arrangements too, and the wait for ground access affects everyone.

The good news? Official matches don't start until April 19, which gives us plenty of time to get the kids match-ready once regular training begins. We'll also be organizing practice matches where we can to get extra game time before the season kicks off.

Save the Date: Season Launch

While we're sorting out training logistics, mark your calendars for our Season Launch on Sunday, March 22 at The Keys. We had a fantastic time there last year, and it's a great chance for families to connect before the season gets underway. More details coming soon!

Questions?

Keep an eye on the Stack Team App for updates, and don't hesitate to reach out to your team coach or team manager if you have specific questions about your child's team.

Thanks for your patience as we navigate the transition from cricket to footy season. We can't wait to see all the kids back on the oval!

Go Bullants!