Launceston's Generation Netball Club is pioneering a pilot programme aimed at maintaining healthy participation in the sport.
Club president Narelle Cameron said Netball Australia research found they cater well to competitive youngsters in the NetSetGo format of the game but are missing the mark for kids who want to play with their friends in a less competitive setting.
Generations expressed interest in new pilot programs that Netball Australia were implementing to keep 9-10-year-olds engaged.
The objective of a 'GO social' twilight netball concept was to identify new approaches to engage and retain participants who are less competitively driven.
Cameron reported a successful start to the GO social concept which features innovations including accompanying music, participants wearing their favourite activewear, provision of fruit and healthy treats and break times to encourage social interaction.
"We predict that a meaningful segment of players will enjoy the experience created in this social program more than their GO program or competition, with a high chance of repeat participation," she said.
The club is also keen to identify products that centres can use to retain participants and reduce junior drop-out.
The programme's final session will be at Hoblers Bridge on Friday from 5pm.
"The final week we are having all participants wear their tie dyed T-shirt that we were inspired to do after seeing the Australian Diamonds do at their most recent camp," Cameron added.
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
