Eve Jeffery
Netball is just awesome! There, I’ve said it. But seriously, netball really is awesome.
Netball is a sport that can be played by both men and women, and can be played by mixed teams. The skills that make a great netballer are athleticism, stamina, endurance, agility and strategic thinking. It is a game that requires strength, but not necessarily force. But the ultimate skill is the ability to be a team player – the absolute best netballers know how to be cohesive. Check out some Australian Diamonds footage and you’ll get what I mean.
Netball is a non-contact sport that is inclusive and accessible to just about everyone from school age to seniors.
Australia is traditionally known as the most successful netball team in international netball: we have won ten of the thirteen world netball championships, in addition to being the current world champions and ranked first in the IFNA world rankings.
Mullum netballer Hayley Walker has been playing the game since she was six years old. Fifteen years in an amateur sport is a long time but Hayley, who usually plays goal attack, just can’t get enough of the game.
‘I love the sport,’ she says. ‘It brings out a competitive spark yet I can still have fun and laugh.
‘I love playing in Mullum because it’s in the same place every week and it’s great to catch up and socialise with local girls.’
Netball is huge in the Byron shire and it’s a great winter warmer for both fun and fitness.
Anyone interested in playing netball this year is encouraged to attend one of the following sign-ons. If you are unable to get to a sign-on please contact the relevant club official to ensure your position in a team.
Bangalow: Wed 19 and 26 Feb 4–6pm on the back deck at the Bangalow Hotel. Contact Trudy 6687 2848.
Byron Bay: Wed 19 Feb 3.30–5pm and Sat 22 Feb 9–11am at the Byron Rec Grounds. Contact Nikki 0438 853 932.
Main Arm: Contact Noreen 0438 181 219 a/h or Sarah 6684 1487 a/h by 24 Feb.
Mullumbimby: Sat 15 Feb 9–11am at the Brunswick Byron Clubhouse in Mullumbimby. Contact Narelle 6684 3870.
Ocean Shores: Sat 15 Feb 9–11am at Ocean Shores Shopping Village. Contact Joanne 6680 1857 a/h or Janine 6680 5067 a/h.
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