WITH only a week to go until the start of the 2025 football and netball season, Pyramid Hill is holding its fifth charity community day, this year bringing together 10 teams from five different leagues.
Three of the clubs are based in Loddon Shire — North Central’s Boort and Loddon Valley’s Newbridge as well as the host club.
With all proceeds from gold coin entry going to the Pyramid Hill Fire Brigade, the games begin at Mitchell Park Recreation Reserve on Saturday at 11am with football and netball matches pitting Heathcote league’s Leitchville Gunbower and the Golden Rivers side Macorna. 
Football matches will be three 25-minute quarters, with no time-on and unlimited interchanges.
Netballers will have access to two courts and can use 90 minutes of playing time in a format that best suits both clubs.
The second footy match between Wandella, another Golden Rivers club, and Newbridge will start at 12.30pm.
At 2pm, Koondrook Barham and Lake Boga from the Central Murray league will meet in an early preview of their round five clash at Lake Boga Sports Club.
The 3.30pm clash will see Boort play Ultima from the Golden Rivers competition.
Pyramid Hill and Kerang from the Central Murray league will play the final match beginning at 5pm. With Bulldogs fans set to flock to the ground, as well as welcoming travelling supporters from the other nine teams, a large spectator turnout is expected.
Umpires from the Loddon Valley and Central Murray leagues will officiate the football, while club netball umpires will be mentored by Netball Victoria accredited umpires.
The host club believes the day is a chance for rural communities to gather and meet, contributing to community health and wellbeing. Gates open at 10am, with canteen facilities available. 
Wood-fired pizzas will be served from 5pm, with a coffee van on site all day.
Free health care checks will be available throughout the day, including hearing tests and skin scans.
- GARY WALSH