Cade Lucas
“Certainly very proud. Quite chuffed, got a big smile on my face”
Wyndham Netball Association president Phil Morley has every reason to be happy.
A year after taking a chance and introducing walking and all-abilities netball programs in an attempt to expand access to the sport, the Wyndham Netball Association has been recognised for doing just that, being named inclusive club of the year at the recent Netball Victoria Community Awards.
The association received $500 for winning the award, but
Mr Morely said the recognition and validation of what they were trying to do was the most gratifying part and that it wouldn’t have been possible with support from the whole organisation.
“When you go down a path of trying to broaden the access of netball to the community, it takes quite a bit of conviction and commitment from the board to step away from day to day competition and what we’ve always done and take on something quite new.”
Encouraging people to take on something new is what the association’s inclusion program has been all about.
After a short trial at the end of 2022, the weekly walking netball competition has proven especially popular.
“Walking netball is an adult market, said Mr Morely of the slower version of the sport which has no running or jumping.
“We’ve had a really big uptake in mums 35 and above, quite a few whose knees and ankles aren’t up to the rigours of competitive netball anymore, but who still wanna play.“
All-abilities netball – aimed at players with physical, intellectual and social disabilities – came about even quicker, only starting in July and already attracting 15 players, with the hope of even more in the new year.
“We’re hosting the central west zone association championships next year and we really want to get an all-abilities team up for that,” said Mr Morely, adding that a dedicated school’s program also proved popular, introducing 900 students to the sport.
“We know that at least one club gained an entire team from the school program,” he said.
Wyndham Netball Association is already on summer recess, but Phil Morely said it will return in February with inclusion once again the main goal.
“It’s all about the fun, being active, being around other people.”
