Recently, Netball Tasmania staff took to the skies to make their way to Flinders Island to deliver netball programs and engage with passionate netballers in the regional location. Primarily, the focus centred around Flinders Island District School, where the 100-student strong cohort experienced expertly delivered netball sessions courtesy of their successful application for a Sporting Schools grant.
Students from Kindergarten to Year 10 were introduced to netball-specific warmups, modified games to encourage movement patterns related to the sport, ball handling skills, and netball positions and strategy, leading to match play for older students. Thanks to physical education teacher, Justin Graham, students at the school already held high enthusiasm for netball and couldn’t wait to get into it and explore new challenges.
There was plenty of skill on display and energy was up throughout the day. Two students in particular are avid netballers and travel to the main island to participate in the Country Gold sports carnival. Katie and Mikayla both revel in the competitive side of sport, as well as getting to play with friends.
“Netball on Flinders Island is good because we have awesome coaches, and everyone wants to do it. Netball away was really cool because we got to play against lots of different schools and see different ways to play the game,” Katie explains.
“I like netball because I get to play with my friends and have some good competition. The highlight of playing away was playing against different teams in my own age group, says Mikayla.
Day two of program delivery allowed for more fun based game play for primary-aged students, building upon skills practiced in their previous session and applying such skills to new positions and areas of the court. Secondary students were treated to a match against staff to round out the experience. A vocal and enthusiastic junior crowd cheered on their peers, who were shown a thing or two by some experienced adult competitors led by Principal Joshua Moore.
Beyond the sporting schools program, an invitation was shared and a call for local participants to join a mixed social game was encouraged. Parents and residents joined some returning students and staff, and the air was alive with anticipation. This opportunity allowed those brand new to netball their first taste of the sport, and those who have been out of the game for a while to dust off their talents. The match was played in great spirit and was a highlight for Netball Tasmania staff to see such friendly integration of ages and abilities.
Mackenzie, Luke and Palf were warmly welcomed by the Flinders Island District School community, as well as the wider community. We were encouraged by the enthusiasm for netball and opportunities to participate in the sport. We look forward to making another trip to continue to connect and grow our relationship.
