The grant was first established in 2018 thanks to the support of Netball SA and Adelaide Thunderbirds sponsor, Mazda, to help support grassroots netball in South Australia.
Catherine Wright, who plays, umpires, volunteers, is a committee member and the Coaches Coordinator for club, said the club could really use the extra support this year.
“The Kingston Saints Netball Club has been a strong competitor within the The Kowree Naracoorte and Tatiara Netball Association league throughout the years and amalgamations,” said Catherine.
“Unfortunately, this has been our most difficult year of retaining player and official numbers, having to relinquish one senior and junior grade.”
“As with a lot of rural areas we see decline in youth and families due to the choice or need of study and employment.”
Catherine says the grant would be a very welcomed support to help renew tiring equipment.
“It would give excitement to existing and prospective players and volunteers whilst also retaining adequate training and court paraphernalia, encouraging safe recovery options”
Catherine says the club plans to spread the grant across several smaller but essential items including exercise mats, drill cones, reactions balls, electric ball pumps, whistles, foam rollers and stretch bands.
“We have bigger picture ideas we have been working on for several years and jumping hurdles and dodging retape is not easy, but the small things help in building that bigger picture.”
“Our aim to revamp the Clubhouse to include change rooms and toilet facilities that can also be used by the wider community and other Clubs has been a continuous work in progress.”
“By investing in our members and up and coming youth it helps ensure strength and quality remains.”
“Our Netball Committee would like to say a huge thank you to Netball SA and Mazda for their kind support and we are thrilled and very grateful to have received this grant. By alleviating the pressure to fundraise for these items we can now run other workshops such as umpiring and coaching. We will announce our success with this grant to everyone who isn’t already aware this Sunday at our Junior Presentation Day. Go the Saints!”
Madza are proud to be supporting grassroots netball across South Australia.
