Tag: The Gap Netball Club

Empowering the Future: The Gap Netball Club Launches Pioneering Program

The Gap Netball Club, in collaboration with the QLD Suns Men’s & Mixed Netball, has launched its ‘Boys in Netball’ Pilot, a first-of-its-kind mentoring program designed to boost boys’ participation in netball and establish sustainable pathways within the sport.

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Fueling their aspirations, the club secured a grant from Woolworths, enabling the launch of this “All Play Inclusion Program” slated for 2024. This initiative introduces a pioneering mentoring program designed to boost boys’ participation in netball and establish sustainable pathways within the sport.

The Boys in Netball initiative operates on the principle of “You can’t be what you can’t see,” striving not only to encourage boys to embrace netball but also to establish connections with elite-level players.

The Gap Netball Club
Photo Credit: The Gap Netball Club

Beyond this groundbreaking program, the club is committed to advancing the skills of coaches, umpires, and players. Substantial investments in additional sessions, activities, and training sessions are earmarked for the coming year.

Boys aged 7-12 registering for the 2024 season will enjoy exclusive benefits, including half-price registration fees, a complimentary uniform (singlet, shorts, and socks), a ticket to a Netball Queensland School Holiday Boys Clinic in 2024, and a Queensland Suns Mentor/Buddy. 

The mentorship program also promises a meet-and-greet, monthly Zoom catch-ups, attendance at a QLD Suns team training, and an experience at a Nationals game at Nissan Arena in April 2024.

Hilder Rd State School in The Gap serves as the training ground during the week, with game days unfolding at Downey Park Netball Association in Windsor on Saturdays.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 season, online registrations will open on 8 Jan 2024. Prospective members can explore the club’s offerings at a Club Open Day on Saturday, 20 Jan 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  

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Follow The Gap Netball Club on Facebook for more updates. 

Published 26-Dec-2023

The Gap Netball Club Among ‘Woolworths Eat Fresh Play Fresh’ Grant Recipients

Did you know that The Gap Netball Club is one of 11 recipients of the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants for 2023? Netball is the most popular team sport in Australia and The Gap Netball Club is the biggest in the state.

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A total of $100,000 being awarded to 11 local netball clubs and associations across Australia. The grants aim to support these clubs in providing improved facilities and promoting healthy habits among young netballers.

Woolworths has been supporting grassroots netball since 2019 in partnership with Netball Australia. Their contributions have surpassed $1.3 million, benefiting over 311 clubs across the country.

The grants will be utilised in various ways by the recipient clubs. Some of the intended uses include reducing participation fees, enhancing equipment, uniforms, and facilities, as well as promoting healthier eating options for players by offering fresh food choices.

The Gap Netball Club plans to use the grant for a diversity and inclusion initiative, focusing on gender-inclusive uniforms to encourage diversity in the game.

The Gap Netball Club will also receive an $8,000 grant in addition to the People’s Choice grant. Other recipients of the additional $8,000 grant are:

  • Ulladulla District Netball Association – Regional NSW
  • North Turramurra Netball Club – Metro NSW
  • Mackay Netball Association – Regional QLD
  • Ballarat Bulldogs All Abilities Football Netball Club – Regional VIC
  • Marong Football Netball Club – Regional VIC
  • Mother Teresa School Netball Club – Metro ACT
  • Leschenault Netball Association – Regional WA
  • Tango Netball Club – Metro SA
  • South East Suns Netball Association – Metro TAS

The inaugural People’s Choice grant of $20,000 was awarded to the Berwick Netball Club in Victoria.

The grants come at a crucial time when community sporting clubs are facing financial challenges, with rising costs impacting participation rates.

Data from the Australian Sports Foundation reveals that 52 per cent of surveyed clubs reported the increasing cost of living as a barrier to member registrations.

Additionally, nearly one in four community sporting clubs (24 per cent) are contemplating closure. The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants aim to address these challenges and support local clubs.

Catherine Cox, a former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGO ambassador, expressed her excitement about the grants, highlighting the positive impact they will have on clubs and children’s active lifestyles.

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Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Hicks, emphasised the importance of supporting grassroots sports and nurturing the next generation of netball stars through partnerships with Netball Australia.

“The impact of Woolworths support of grassroots netball does not go unnoticed. Giving clubs the opportunity to grow, whilst also removing barriers for young players to eat healthier and keep more active is so important. We are really excited to see how the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grant winners use their funds over the next year to help more Aussies enjoy the sport we all love.” CEO of Netball Australia, Kelly Ryan, said.

Published 16-July-2023