Written by Amelia Barnes
An increase in community engagement has boosted participation in Woolworths NetSetGO at Sandringham & District Netball Association (Sandy) — recently named joint winner of the NetSetGO Centre of the Year at Netball Victoria’s 2022 Community Awards.
NetSetGO at Sandy is coordinated by mother-daughter duo Samantha and Olivia Templeton. In 2022, the pair worked with the association’s netball manager Angela Moscati to find new and innovative ways to increase participation.
“There was a real push to try and get everyone back there at their best and offering the best possible outcomes for everyone,” said Samantha Templeton.
Devising these initiatives was part of a new association-wide strategy to build numbers post-COVID lockdowns and rebuild the culture of community netball.
The strategy was successful, with 137 children participating in NetSetGO at the association in 2022 — up from 100 in pre-COVID years.
Most successful for Sandringham & District was the creation of a new under 9s competition. This competition operated free of charge to all children who completed the NetSetGO program in term three, as well as those from neighbouring NetSetGO centres.
Games were officiated by new umpires who were able to use the competition as a training opportunity.
Based on the popularity of this competition, an official under 9s division was announced for the association’s following netball season.
“To have a taste of competition was fantastic for this young cohort, and 80% of teams continued into our spring 2022 competition,” said Angela Moscati.
Moscati says the culture of Sandringham & District is based on inclusion, which starts at the NetSetGO level. Players from the association are chosen to lead the program to provide young players with role models and build connections between clubs.
“There's like a big sense of community and welcomeness among everyone that really helps in building the program and allowing Sandy to be so successful,” said Olivia Templeton.
Many of the program’s leaders started at the NetSetGO level themselves and enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion for the game.
“We are proud of all our NetSetGO leaders and know they are outstanding young leaders of the future,” said Moscati. “We are delighted to be able to present this employment opportunity to our young players and watch the experience, fun, and enthusiasm they bring to the next generation of netballers.”
To celebrate their successful year, Sandringham & District hosted their first NetSetGO Gala at the end of the 2022 season. The event included a barbecue and prize giveaway and was attended by several clubs and the Melbourne Vixens mascot Foxy.
“We were overwhelmed with the number of people in attendance (over 300) and will now ensure this is an annual event,” said Moscati.
Sandringham & District are working on a new strategic plan for 2023 that will include introducing more boys to NetSetGO.
“We have had boys in the past, but there's still that stigma around it. I'd really love to try and get them in at the grassroots level and get them involved,” said Moscati.
The association’s aim is to have a record 150 children participating in NetSetGO in 2023.
As well as being named joint winners of NetSetGO Centre of the Year, Sandringham & District Netball Association were awarded joint winners of Association of the Year, and were a finalist for Inclusive Netball Community of the Year, making them the most recognised netball body at Netball Victoria’s 2022 Community Awards.
The NetSetGO Centre of the Year Award is supported by Woolworths
Find out more about how to get involved in NetSetGO
