The allocation marks the last distribution for the 2019 grants program, which saw clubs around the state apply for the grant funded by Mazda, sponsors of Netball SA and the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Roslyn, who is the club’s acting Secretary and Administration Coordinator, is very grateful to have been successful in securing the funding for their netball community.
“We have great senior players within the club, however, the teams mainly consist of junior teams from diverse backgrounds, often coming from large families, who can sometimes make up a single team! This can impact fees and purchasing uniforms. Many of our amazing junior players are supported by carers and guardian, as well as parents and we have a great wealth of support and knowledge from our volunteers, members and community to engage and grow the club.”
Roslyn says the club is also proud to be leading the way in encouraging boys to the sport.
“We were one of the first clubs in our region to commence actively promoting participation of boys in netball, something we are keen to expand on with our local Association and Netball SA support.”
“As the smallest club in the association, we have often carried the financial aspect of fees and uniform costs in the past, so that players can just play.”
“Unfortunately, it does mean that as a club, we have not been able to purchase equipment regularly, such as basic match or training balls and often resort to shared uniforms. Last season, we utilised balls that had already seen two seasons prior – many kindly donated as second hand.”
“With limited community base grants or funding opportunities locally, we are often in
fierce competition for any funding.”
Roslyn says the grant will be used to secure some basic, but much needed, match and training equipment and uniforms.
“This grant would allow our players and members to purchase much needed equipment and uniforms and allow players to continue to take to the court.”
Outgoing Club President, Tara Welsh, also agreed.
“The club was very excited when we heard we were the recipient of this grant. We have a great committee who put in so much hard work and it’s great to get something back! We, like most smaller clubs, struggle with getting in income and having to update our equipment was a high priority,” said Tara.
“It means a lot to our club. We are one of the smallest clubs in our association so this will give us some breathing space, to be able to purchase some new bibs for matches and new balls for training, amongst other things. The players, especially the juniors, love being decked out in new uniforms and using new equipment, so this will be extra exciting for them!”
Thanks to the support of Mazda we are pleased to have been able to help support grassroots Netball in South Australia.
