Written by Amelia Barnes
Casey Netball Association in Melbourne’s outer south-east hosts over 3500 netballers of all ages every week, and it all starts with Woolworths NetSetGO.
Following an increase in participation, the association was named joint winner of the NetSetGO Centre of the Year Award at Netball Victoria’s 2022 Community Awards.
Teagan Davies is Casey Netball Association’s NetSetGO coordinator and operations support who’s focused on rebuilding numbers post-COVID restrictions. She’s not only met the association’s targets, but exceeded them, calling for more sessions and a new venue to be added.
Over 160 netballers (both girls and boys) took part in NetSetGO at Casey in 2022 following an increase of free ‘come and try’ sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for new netballers to see what the program is all about before committing to a full season.
The organisation also offered more free netball clinics to local schools to introduce the sport to students and advertise the programs at Casey. Those past the NetSetGO age group are alternatively provided with a tailored list of netball clubs in their area, ensuring everyone has the chance to participate.
“We go to school, after school, after school, after school,” said Davies.
Casey residents will have even more chances to get involved in NetSetGO in 2023 with the association operating from a second venue, Olive Road Sporting Complex, on Tuesday afternoons. Sessions at Casey Stadium will continue to run on both Mondays after school and Saturday mornings.
“We have a goal to expand and promote netball in the north of Casey. We want to get more people participating in netball, so having the opportunity to have NetSetGO there will only increase that,” said Davies.
Parents of all backgrounds are supported to register for NetSetGO by Davies who provides multiple options for registering. Those unable to do so online are guided through the process step by step in person or over the phone to suit their needs.
“We do have a lot of different cultures that participate in NetSetGO… Providing all different types of communication has really helped,” says Davies.
NetSetGO at Casey is a structured program focusing on developing one key skill a week, but having fun and providing a social outlet is just as important.
“Coming out of the pandemic, we’ve been making our sessions more social and more team-based because they have obviously missed out on a lot of interaction with others,” said Davies.
Playing NetSetGO at Casey provides a valuable introduction to the Victorian netball pathway. 35 clubs currently play for the association, and the club has its own Casey Demons teams playing in the Victorian Netball League (VNL).
NetSetGO participants are given a free ticket to watch their clubmates in the VNL during a Casey Demons home game.
Casey’s NetSetGO players have the added benefit of meeting and learning from elite players Sharni Lambden (Melbourne Vixens training partner) and Emma Ryde (former Melbourne Vixens player) who play and work for the club.
Casey Netball Association looks forward to hosting even more NetSetGO players in 2023. No matter how high the demand is, Davies will find a place for every child to participate.
“I'm more than happy to find the time to figure out another session or squeeze in time, because I feel that if you don't give the opportunity to the younger kids then there's no pathway,” Davies said. “You need to have that introductory level that flows up to under 17s and through to seniors.”
The NetSetGO Centre of the Year Award is supported by Woolworths
Find out more about how to get involved in NetSetGO
