COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on community sport, and yet Lara Netball Club’s NetSetGO program has never been more popular.
Recognising the challenge in attracting and retaining participants over the pandemic, Lara Netball Club’s secretary and NetSetGO coordinator Bridie Brady made a strategic effort to not only continue operating the NetSetGO program, but increase its delivery.
Typically only held across school terms two and three, Lara Netball Club ran its NetSetGO program over all four terms in 2021. The extension quickly proved to be a success, with approximately 50 additional children able to participate over the year, and the club being awarded NetSetGO Centre of the Year in Netball Victoria’s 2021 Community Awards.
In addition to implementing the program set out by Netball Victoria, Brady went above and beyond to deliver initiatives to keep players excited and connected. This was especially important throughout term three, where only two in-person sessions were held due to restrictions and weather disruptions in the town just north-east of Geelong.
“It’s really sad for the little ones, because they’re probably the most keen out of everyone to come and participate,” Brady said.
Given the young ages (5-10 years) of NetSetGO participants, Brady realised she couldn’t rely on social media to keep players connected, so she decided to get creative.
“We wrote a letter to the kids and sent it in the mail with a Grill’d voucher as a personal way we could connect with them,”Brady said .
“We actually addressed the mail to the kids so they all got something to let them know we’re thinking of them. A lot of the parents said it was the first time their kids had ever gotten anything in the mail.”
Players were also encouraged to complete a profile for the club’s private Facebook page to the delight of parents and other members.
“I think it’s really important to get to know the kids outside of netball,” Brady said.
As well as learning the basics of netball, Lara’s NetSetGO program is focused on developing participants’ life skills and general enjoyment of physical activity.
“It’s a place for them to come to meet new friends, learn teamwork…how to deal with other kids, and how to be good little people,” Brady said. "It’s also a different environment to school and home – somewhere they can go and have fun.”
Building connections between young and older members is also a priority of the club, allowing senior players to learn coaching skills, and NetSetGO participants to develop role models and advance their netball abilities.
The club holds an annual break-up event to foster these relationships, as well as inviting young players to participate in half-time drills during senior games. “They idolise the older girls,” Brady said.
In 2022, Brady hopes Lara Netball Club can continue attracting more players to what they call the “friendliest club in the Geelong Football Netball League.”
“We try to cater for everyone at Lara. We have our NetSetGO, A-graders, juniors, and All Abilities team, so I think there’s something for everyone,” Brady said.
“It’s very warm and welcoming…I think everyone deserves to participate. Even if you’ll never be an A-grade player, you have a right to play netball as much as anyone else does.”
Lara Netball Club plans to continue operating its NetSetGO program over all four school terms, with consideration to ensure players can also participate in football and other popular sports if they desire.
“Participation is key for me, because if you don’t have participation you don’t have a club. We’ll work on getting more volunteers, building on the program, and developing skill sets and enjoyment as well,” Brady said. “There’s a lot of work to do.”
Check out Kids Week, 7-13 February. For more information about NetSetGO and netball opportunities click here.
