The future of netball in the Wheatbelt Goldfields region looks bright thanks to funding received by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
In 2021, two grant applications were funded by Royalty for Regions through the Regional Athlete Support Program, provided through the DLGSC Wheatbelt Athlete Support Program (WASP).
Wheatbelt Goldfields Development and Officials Coordinator Erica Carlson said the funding provided the opportunity for identified coaches from the Wheatbelt Goldfields Region (WBGF) to complete a Netball WA Intermediate Coach Connect and Intermediate Coaching Accreditation, as well as thedelivery of the C to B umpire workshop to the WBGF Regional Umpire Academy Program.
“The intended purpose of these programs is to provide the necessary knowledge in a local environment and instil the confidence required for coaches and umpires from the Wheatbelt Goldfields to further proceed along the Netball WA Coaching & Umpiring Pathway,” Carlson said
The WBGF Regional Championships held in May provided the platform for coach, and umpire identification. Netball WA Stakeholder Manager, Jo Smith and West Coast Fever Performance & Pathway - Senior Officials Coordinator, Krista Stirling attended the day and assisted Carlson with the identification of coaches and umpires who demonstrated the skills that would benefit from the programs.
The completion of the Intermediate Coach Connect and Intermediate Accreditation, which is the next level in National Coach Accreditation Scheme, saw three new Intermediate Accredited Coaches from Merredin, Central Wheatbelt and Northam Netball Associations, appointed as a Coaches for the WBGF State Cup teams competing in the Netball WA State Cup Competition, held in October 2021.
“The C to B program provided a platform for our mentors to educate the Regional Academy umpires and implement a unique opportunity to learn in a practical environment alongside our coaches and athletes. This assisted with the development and progression of our umpires towards a National B badge Accreditation,” Carlson said.
