Ruth Stanley Community Manager Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty

After extensive research and consultation, the new Netball NZ Junior Programme is ready to be rolled out across the Bay of Plenty. This exciting programme aims to provide a quality, nationally-consistent junior participation programme to meet the needs of young players.

The emphasis for junior netball is on developing fundamental skills, introducing basic netball skills, and providing a modified version of netball that grows with the players. Players get to pass, catch and shoot from the first session.

The first phase of this rollout is the programme designed for five and six year olds (Year 1-2 school students), and will give players a fun way to learn basic skills and play a modified game of netball. The modified game gives the players more opportunities to practise the skills they've learned in an interactive, fun and age-appropriate way.

A typical session begins with a 20-minute skills drill followed by a four-versus-four game. The game's amended rules include a reduced court size, smaller ball, a lower hoop, rolling substitutions and no offsides or set positions. Parents are encouraged to support and be involved with these sessions, and coaches are allowed on court during the game.

Your local netball centre is gearing up to run this programme and is looking for parents and community members who'd like to be involved. Previous netball experience is not a prerequisite, as workshops will be held to give supporters the skills and confidence they need to assist with these programmes.

New programmes will be introduced for Year 3-4 and Year5-6 players in 2015 and 2016, giving junior netball an exciting new direction for our young players.

For more information on when this programme is being run, and to register your child, contact your local netball centre or school, which can be found on the Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty website: http://www.mynetball.co.nz/zones/waikato-bay-of-plenty/community-netball/netball-centres.html

Or contact Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty Zone's community manager Ruth Stanley at: Ruth.Stanley@netballwbop.co.nz