As Netball NSW continues to make the next generation a priority through its Youth Advisory Group, local associations are also embedding young people into governance and decision-making structures.
Kiama Netball Association is among those leading this shift, officially launching its own Youth Advisory Group to give their up-and-comers a direct role in shaping the future of netball in the region.
The Kiama Netball Association Youth Advisory Group is a nine-month role, running from April to December 2026, open to young people turning 12 to 18. The group is designed to provide meaningful leadership opportunities, and a genuine platform for young members to contribute to their local netball community.
The initiative has been driven by long-time Kiama Netball volunteer Natalie Allan, who is also a coach and parent of two daughters who play club and representative netball. Allan said the idea emerged from recognising both the passion of young netballers, and the need to future-proof volunteer and governance structures.
“We have a lot of committed volunteers, but we also have an ageing committee,” Allan said. “At the same time, we’ve got a whole group of young people who are really passionate about netball and want to be involved in more ways than just playing.”
Allan’s interest in youth governance was reinforced through her daughter Molly’s involvement in the inaugural Netball NSW Youth Advisory Group in 2025. She said seeing the impact of that experience highlighted the value of giving young people a genuine voice.
“It’s been a fantastic experience for her” Natalie said. “It means she gets a say as a regional netballer and can contribute her experience as a player, and as a young coach.”
Molly Allan said her time on the state body’s Youth Advisory Group showed her how powerful youth voice can be when it is genuinely valued.
“Being part of the Netball NSW YAG showed me how much young people can contribute,” she said. “I’m excited to help bring the same experience to Kiama so players here can shape the future of netball locally.”
Inspired by that model, Natalie Allan initially proposed establishing a youth committee at club level before taking the concept to the Kiama Netball Association. All six affiliated clubs supported the idea, agreeing it should be implemented at an association-wide level.
“We realised pretty quickly that this was bigger than one club,” she said. “Having all six clubs agree showed there was a real appetite to give youth a seat at the table.”
Kiama Netball Association President Michelle Gregory said the launch of the Youth Advisory Group reflects the association’s commitment to listening to young people and investing in future leaders.
“Our young people have incredible insight, energy and ideas,” Gregory said. “This group gives them a genuine seat at the table while helping them grow as leaders within netball and the wider community.”
To support the structure and sustainability of the group, Kiama Netball has drawn on its strong relationship with the Kiama Lions Club. The Lions have offered $500 in seed funding to support the establishment of their own Youth Advisory Group.
It is intended to provide young members with exposure to governance, decision-making and community engagement, while also allowing the association to benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas.
“We want this to be more than a token group,” Allan added. “It’s about integrating youth into the way we operate and giving them real responsibility.”
Netball NSW General Manager of Growth and Innovation, Jenny Moroney, said initiatives such as Kiama’s highlight the important role young people play when they are meaningfully included in governance and decision-making.
“Young people bring a perspective that is essential to the future of netball. When they are included in committees and decision-making, we create environments that are more inclusive, more innovative and better connected to the communities we serve.”
The approach has already sparked interest from other associations, including Tamworth, which is exploring a similar model. Allan hopes these conversations will lead to shared learning and a scalable framework that can be adopted more broadly across the state.
