For many elite athletes, the final whistle isn't the end of their sporting journey - it's the beginning of a new one. In this episode of Pitch In, we explore how former professional athletes return to the grassroots clubs and communities that first nurtured them, becoming coaches, mentors and volunteers who inspire the next generation.

Through their stories, we hear how volunteers played a pivotal role in their own sporting journeys, and why giving back has become just as meaningful as competing. From local clubs to community programs, these athletes demonstrate that sport creates lifelong connections and strengthens local communities.

Guests:

Cathy Freeman AC – Melbourne, Victoria

Chelsea Baker – Gladstone, Queensland

Timmy Duggan – Darwin, Northern Territory

For many elite athletes, the final whistle isn't the end of their sporting journey - it's the beginning of a new one. In this episode of Pitch In, we explore how former professional athletes return to the grassroots clubs and communities that first nurtured them, becoming coaches, mentors and volunteers who inspire the next generation.
Through their stories, we hear how volunteers played a pivotal role in their own sporting journeys, and why giving back has become just as meaningful as competing. From local clubs to community programs, these athletes demonstrate that sport creates lifelong connections and strengthens local communities.
Guests:
Cathy Freeman AC &ndash; Melbourne, Victoria
Chelsea Baker &ndash; Gladstone, Queensland
Timmy Duggan &ndash; Darwin, Northern Territory

Pitch In, hosted by Lehmo, is a podcast that explores the people who make community sport possible. While the moments on the field often steal the spotlight, this series uncovers the stories behind the game - of the volunteers whose dedication keeps clubs alive, strengthens communities and creates places where people belong.

Travelling across Australia, Pitch In meets the coaches, committee members, parents and local leaders who give their time not for recognition, but because they believe in the power of community. Through powerful conversations and deeply personal stories, the series reveals how volunteering in sport builds connection, resilience and purpose, and why local clubs remain at the heart of communities across the country.

More than a podcast about sport, Pitch In is a celebration of the people who show up, pitch in and make a lasting difference - revealing the human stories, quiet acts of generosity and lifelong commitment that sit at the heart of community sport in Australia.

Produced by Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

Host - Lehmo

Creative Producer – Eliza Hull

Producer – Megan Williams

Executive Producer – Matt Field

Video – Keiran Watson-Bonnice

Sound Recording and Mixing– Bruce Armstrong

Additional Sound Recording– Ed Denton

Music – James McGuffie

Supported by The Australian Government

Pitch In, hosted by Lehmo, is a podcast that explores the people who make community sport possible. While the moments on the field often steal the spotlight, this series uncovers the stories behind the game - of the volunteers whose dedication keeps clubs alive, strengthens communities and creates places where people belong.
Travelling across Australia, Pitch In meets the coaches, committee members, parents and local leaders who give their time not for recognition, but because they believe in the power of community. Through powerful conversations and deeply personal stories, the series reveals how volunteering in sport builds connection, resilience and purpose, and why local clubs remain at the heart of communities across the country.
More than a podcast about sport, Pitch In is a celebration of the people who show up, pitch in and make a lasting difference - revealing the human stories, quiet acts of generosity and lifelong commitment that sit at the heart of community sport in Australia.
Produced by Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
Host - Lehmo
Creative Producer &ndash; Eliza Hull
Producer &ndash; Megan Williams
Executive Producer &ndash; Matt Field
Video &ndash; Keiran Watson-Bonnice
Sound Recording and Mixing&ndash; Bruce Armstrong
Additional Sound Recording&ndash; Ed Denton
Music &ndash; James McGuffie
Supported by The Australian Government