Some exciting news for young people in our game. Netball Northern has secured $50,000 per year for two years through Aktive's new Rangatahi Foundation Sport Pathway Pilot Fund. We were one of just two organisations chosen from eight applicants, alongside Northern Region Football.
The funding is all about getting more rangatahi on court across the Auckland region. That means making it easier to join a team, and building new pathways for volunteer coaches so more young players have someone on the sideline backing them.
BJ Keepa is leading the mahi, alongside his role as Coach Lead. Over the coming weeks, BJ will be out and about in Auckland netball communities, listening to Centres and their players, whānau, coaches and volunteers about what's working for rangatahi, what's getting in the way, and where the opportunities are. What he hears will shape where the pilot kicks off in its first year.
The plan is to start focused, learn fast, and grow. Everything we learn in Year 1 will help more communities benefit in Year 2, and could open doors for rangatahi in Te Tai Tokerau too.
Keep an eye out for BJ at your local courts, he'd love to hear your kōrero.
