Netball SA launches inaugural Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program

Netball SA has launched its inaugural Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program, established to increase opportunities and identify talent within South Australia’s First Nations netball community.

20 athletes aged between 14 and 17 have been selected to take part in the program, identified from their performances at the 2022 Nunga Netball Carnival at Netball SA Stadium on October 7 and 8.

Athletes will be provided with skill development and support toward potential selection in Netball SA pathway programs including the Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy (14-16yrs) and Netball SA's 17U and 19U State Team Programs.

The athletes will attend four key sessions across a six-month period, all designed to increase exposure to the high performance environment, build confidence, and prepare them for the next steps in their netball journeys.

All selected athletes have also been personally invited to attend Netball SA’s 17U State Team trials.

A key stakeholder in the development of the program and a proud Ngarrindjeri, Narungga and Jingili woman, Vanessa Dempsey has been named as Head Coach.

“I’m really passionate about seeing as many Aboriginal and Torres Strait netballers in the elite space as possible, which motivated me to take on the role,” Dempsey said.

“The program is focused on skill development and creating opportunities for players to progress into the high performance space.”

The current head coach of Oakdale Netball Club’s Premier League side, Dempsey is no stranger to the high performance environment and felt strongly about creating a safe space for emerging netballers to take the next step.

“For any minority group, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, there is a lack of resources and opportunities so providing a culturally appropriate, safe space is really key,” Dempsey said.

“When they can work with educators that are skilled in these spaces, the athletes have the best opportunity to thrive in this environment.”

Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said the business was proud to launch the program.

“This program is a key part of our 2022 First Nations Framework and established to create greater opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers,” Ms Klei said.

“I’m a firm believer in you have to see it to be it and this program is the first step in guiding these netballers to reach the elite level of our game.

“Our goal is to see these players take the next step into the Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy and hopefully one day pull on the pink dress and even the green and gold."

SELECTED ATHLETES: