PLC Netball Club

As part of our ongoing series of People and Culture, we take a look into the Club’s development strategy.

At the 2017 Annual General Meeting, the Club endorsed a mandate to establish a Club for players of all ages and all abilities. This mandate was translated into the following key goals:

• To field teams in all age groups and divisions;
• The develop a pool of coaches to support the team requirements;
• The development of qualified umpires;
• To develop sound management structures; and
• Develop a culture of diversity and equity.

Central to achieving these aims was the development of well trained and committed management team, hence the choice of our Club objective, which is Growing Future Leaders. As a school-based team, the Club acknowledged that the student body should take a leading role within the Club with the parents providing the mentoring and support structures. 

Students are actively encouraged to participate in the management of the Club. Leadership opportunities are available in the form of Club Captain, coaching, umpiring and serving on the Club Committee. For the 2019 season, the Club had 22 students severing in leadership roles at all levels from U7 coaching to serving on the Committee.

The development of technical capabilities is essential in achieving the Club’s aims. The recruitment of two former international players as coaches and three girls achieving their ‘National C’ umpiring qualifications has ensured the Club has the skills and expertise to deliver the stated goals.

Having invested in our people, the Club would like to retain those skills for the next generation. In response to this, the Club established our Ladies Teams, with the intent of providing a pathway for students to retain a connection with the Pacific community after graduation. The team has also provided an opportunity for mothers and their daughters to play netball together.

The Club accepts players from outside of the school community, which forms part of our diversity strategy. The Club has players from 11 different schools, which assists in connecting Pacific to the wider community. On the diversity front, the Club is yet to secure its first male player, a goal that remains a priority for the Club.

PLC Netball Club has a wider focus than just netball. Netball is the vehicle, not the outcome. The outcome is to nurture self-confident, committed and self-motivated young people.

Mr Trevor Colton, PLC Netball Club President