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“It’s a fun, fast-paced team game where you can build skills, stay active and form strong
friendships,” says ACG Strathallan Sports’ Co-ordinator, Renee Dean.
friendships,” says ACG Strathallan Sports’ Co-ordinator, Renee Dean.
With 12 teams competing from years 7 to 13, the 115 girls participating make up 12 per cent of Strathallan’s college roll, making netball the school’s most popular sport.
“Netball promotes teamwork and physical fitness in a fun and supportive environment, and it helps foster a strong sense of community and school pride.”
It also builds fundamental skills, developing coordination, agility, and strategic thinking, and as a team sport, it encourages co-operation and communication. And it’s accessible – all you need is a ball, a hoop and a flat surface.
Some senior students coach junior teams, adding leadership and mentorship to their skillset, while others are found at Papakura, Pukekohe and Manurewa netball centres or on Seek.
“We’re also fortunate to have some teams coached by a parent, while others are found
through word of mouth in the school community.”
It was word of mouth that helped secure former Silver Fern, Daneka Tuineau, as the coach of the premier team this year. Daneka was goal shoot for the Ferns from 2002 to 2010.
“The girls are already improving so much from Daneka’s coaching,” says Renee.
“Her involvement in national and international level netball means she brings a wealth of
experience to personal fitness instruction and mental skills coaching.”
experience to personal fitness instruction and mental skills coaching.”
The girls feel privileged to have Daneka as their coach, valuing her knowledge and
understanding of the game.
“You don’t often come across a coach with the kind of talent, athleticism, and netball smarts that Daneka has,” says premier team captain, Sofia Gonzales Masias.
“Her energy and athleticism push us to work harder and play smarter, and she always
does it in such a positive and supportive way. What’s awesome is how much game knowledge she brings — from tactics to clever plays, she always has something new to teach us, especially when things get tough on court. She’s genuinely committed to helping each of us be our best, and we’re so excited to keep learning and growing with her.”
does it in such a positive and supportive way. What’s awesome is how much game knowledge she brings — from tactics to clever plays, she always has something new to teach us, especially when things get tough on court. She’s genuinely committed to helping each of us be our best, and we’re so excited to keep learning and growing with her.”
“Many of the girls in Daneka’s team are also coaches of our junior teams so the knowledge
and skills are getting passed down to our junior levels,” Renee says.
Teams train at least once a week, and with Strathallan’s multi-sport gymnasium, fitness room, two turf courts and the primary school outdoor court, there is plenty of space to accommodate all 12 teams.
Games take place every Wednesday and all teams compete in the local competition at Papakura Netball Centre.
The netball season is just beginning, and one thing is certain – players’ confidence and skills will continue to develop as the season progresses, just as netball’s popularity continues to grow at Strathallan.
