Victorian schoolkids encouraged to get back on the netball courts

Netball Victoria has partnered with the Victorian Department of Education and Training’s Positive Start in 2022 initiative to re-engage primary and secondary students and boost their physical and emotional health and wellbeing after the pandemic.

After two years of disruption to their schooling, friendships and connections to learning, the initiative will help get students back on track with access to additional camps, swimming programs, sports programs and cultural experiences.

Netball Victoria Programs coordinator Megan Avery said the organisation was excited to partner with the government as part of its initiative, offering unique and wonderful experiences for Victorian students.

Positive Start in 2022 is all about reconnecting and helping school communities join in the rich activities to join up with friends and schools again.

“Our Positive Netball Program offers three specially tailored packages aimed at different age groups and year levels with a range of objectives and outcomes for Victorian students,” Ms Avery said.

“We provide Train like a Vixen Clinics, a one-day course during school terms which can be a full day or half-day where the children learn basic netball skills and the game’s history.”

“It is free for students to attend and will enable them to learn the skills and history of netball in a safe and fun environment.”

Most of the students who attend Netball Victoria are in grades five and six, while it is also open to grades three, four, seven and eight.

“We treat each class at a beginner’s level because the kids haven’t had any sport for the last two years due to COVID,” Ms Avery said.

The idea is for the kids to have fun, learn a new sport and get involved, hoping that schools will introduce netball into the curriculum.

The program is designed for girls and boys and all abilities children with female and male trainers engaged for the classes.

All the students receive a booklet that has QR links to their nearest netball club.

“Our aim is for the kids to go home and talk with their parents about joining a club to continue to play netball.”

“They also receive a Vixens digital membership which includes access and a timetable of all the team’s home games at John Cain Arena.”

The Vixens are at the home of netball, located at Melbourne Sports Centre – Parkville, as role models.

“We have posters of the Vixens who are often around, and the kids get a thrill from seeing them,” Ms Avery said •