The Association of the Year award is presented by McCafé
Northern Pride Netball Association (NPNA) was named Association of the Year at the 2023 Netball Victoria Community Awards after an impressive year of new innovations and achievements.
In just its sixth year, the association has blossomed into a unique netball community, now comprising seven affiliated clubs and a robust representative program.
NPNA's accomplishments over the past 12 months are a testament to their commitment to progress and continuous improvement.
Some of their key achievements include transitioning from paper to Netball Connect, implementing a Child Safety Officer, obtaining government grants for portable scoring bench shelters, forming new major partnerships, and securing improved facilities.
According to President Michelle Kneale, what sets NPNA apart is the emphasis on building a diverse, family-oriented, and challenging competition that celebrates the broader community through a shared love of netball.
"We provide a pathway for those netball players that want to take their netball further with our representative program," Kneale said.
The association prides itself on implementing strong foundations in administration, policies, and procedures. Over the past year, NPNA has implemented these innovative strategies to foster growth and inclusivity.
One standout initiative was the introduction of a new mixed netball program for 15&U and 17&U age groups, yielding a membership boost of four teams. The success of this program not only welcomed and sustained male participation, but also provides ongoing flexibility in how the association’s members choose to play the game.
“Being able to offer both a female competition and a mixed competition still allowed all members to have a choice in what style of netball they want to play with no judgment,” said Kneale.
“It also bringing awareness to the female participants that mixed netball is an option to further their netball skills, and to broaden their mindset when it comes to playing with or against males.”
NPNA's Woolworths NetSetGo program also found success by scheduling sessions in line with the association’s scheduled competitions, allowing young players to experience the buzz of game play, team huddles, and enthusiastic crowds.
These successes each contributed to NPNA’s naming as Association of the Year, an achievement for which Kneale gives credit to every member of her community.
"This award means recognition for all the hard work everyone has put in,” she said.
“Recognition for all the members, the players. They can say that they are a part of the Association of the Year and feel a great sense of pride.”
Describing the NPNA community, Kneale uses the word “beautiful” to encapsulate the unity and collective bond formed through netball.
As NPNA's president, Kneale relishes being part of a community that embraces the future while learning along the way. She finds joy in the shared goals, the smiles on the kids' faces, and the overall sense of building something beloved by the community.
“I love thinking that we, the association, are building something that other people love and want to be a part of,” she said.
“I am super proud of all the work, time and effort that every person, past or present has dedicated to this association.”
The Association of the Year award is not just a trophy for NPNA; it is recognition for every member, player, and volunteer who contributed to the association's success.
“This is a place to learn, to grow, and to celebrate our community through sport and the game of netball.”
