Since February, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt widely around the world and has had a significant impact on the Netball Family. Our Member countries have shown resilience and determination to overcome the difficulties experienced and whilst some countries are getting back to the new normal, many are still facing restrictions.
Here is an update on the #NetballFamily and how our Members have been making their return to Netball.
Europe
Throughout Europe our Member countries have been returning to netball safely, in accordance with governments guidelines.
The home nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) launched their joint initiative to protect the sport’s longevity in the UK. To find out more about the initiative and how you can get involved click here.
Netball clubs across Switzerland, have been participating in competitive netball and are back training with their clubs.
Americas
In Latin America, Netball Argentina has been providing virtual netball training in Spanish to develop coaches knowledge and skills. The sessions held via Zoom have been well attended by lots of budding coaches.
Anguilla have been encouraging primary and secondary pupils to participate in the grassroots program through their Tuesday exercise sessions which vary in locations each week.
Asia
Across Asia, countries have been abiding by their governments law in order to safely return to sport. This month we saw netball activities return in Pakistan with some of their elite girls’ squad back in training.
Sri Lanka have been returning to netball slowly but have spent the past few months focusing on coach development. A number of promising coaches have been taking their Coaches Intermediate Examination to help hone their skills further.
Oceania
After their region returned to netball first, Oceania have been cautiously continuing with their netball activities. In New Zealand, the ANZ premiership came to an end on 23rd August as Pulse Netball were crowned champions. Recap the final here.
Samoa have been using their time to encourage young netballers to get involved with umpiring. By hosting workshops, girls in Samoa have developed their knowledge and built their confidence to become fledging umpires.
The Cook Islands have been hosting a weekly junior netball competition with teams aged 6 years onwards. The event is aimed at families with spectators encouraged to bring friends and family and visit the food stalls. The country has also been focusing on coaching education and have recently been holding a NetGo Cook Islands Foundation Coaching Workshop to help more coaches develop their skills, knowledge and confidence.
Netballers across Fiji have been enjoying their return to netball and have had the privilege of trialing the Level Up Oceania Foundation Coach Accreditation Program. The coaches, thanks to the support from Netball New Zealand, have developed their tactical and technical skills within a classroom and on the netball court.
Africa
South Africa have been busy providing their fans with weekly updates and interviews across their social media. Their Instagram channel features Live Lockdown TV where host, Dikeledi Tshabalala, has been catching up with players. Click here to catch up.
For all the latest news from our Member countries on the COVID-19 pandemic visit our COVID-19 Hub here.
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