Netball NSW has kicked off its first-ever All Abilities Roadshow, bringing inclusive netball programs directly to schools and creating new opportunities for students with a disability to enjoy the game. This new initiative compliments the existing suite of All Abilities programs delivered by the organisation.
Netball NSW worked in consultation with Sport4All to design inclusive, suitable and high quality sessions. The 45-minute program delivered at each school, combined skills-based activities such as passing, shooting and movement with a modified game at the end.
“We delivered a range of activities and skills, with sessions designed to be flexible to focus on what each participant could do, not what they couldn't,” Trish Crews, Executive General Manager Community at Netball NSW said.
The activities included passing drills, where each participant had the opportunity to practice correct passing technique, with the support of additional coaches.
“We used playful coaching cues to build a positive atmosphere where every student felt included and could enjoy a memorable experience.”
To ensure the program was accessible to every participant, inclusive equipment from the Netball NSW All Abilities kit was used. This included balls that were lighter, soft-touch or had textured surfaces as well as bright yellow balls for students with vision impairment and balls with bells inside for those with hearing impairments. Sessions were also flexible in adapting to the facilities available, using both standard-height rings in school gymnasiums and modified, lowered netball rings where needed.
“At the conclusion of each session, students took part in a modified netball game with relaxed rules and no fixed positions. Teams were identified by coloured bibs, and a simple ‘end zone’ format was used to encourage participation, fun and team spirit,” Ms Crews said.
Across the Roadshow’s debut, the Netball NSW team visited Jasper Road Public School, Bella Vista Public School and Winston Hills Public School, engaging more than 70 students in fun, modified netball activities.
“Inclusive sport is essential because it promotes health, wellbeing and social connection,” Jasper Road Public School Principal Craig Warner said.
“This program reinforced the fundamental movement skills taught each week while creating an opportunity for personal and social development.
“Partnering with Netball NSW has not only exposed our students to an international game, but has reinforced teamwork and fair play while breaking down inclusive barriers.
“As not only an international and Commonwealth sport but the fastest growing for males, the promotion of a non-contact, team-based game will hopefully continue to 'open doors' and promote a positive 'can do' attitude for students,” Warner concluded.
Ms Crews added that the Roadshow is part of Netball NSW’s broader commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
“This has been something we have wanted to do for a long time – to provide more inclusive initiatives that build on what local netball associations are already doing, while also supporting them,” Ms Crews said.
“The All Abilities Roadshow is about breaking down barriers to participation, boosting confidence and fostering connections through sport. Following the success of its launch in the Hills region during Term 3, we are excited to expand this initiative to more schools and communities across the state in the future.”
Across metropolitan Sydney, Netball Associations in Blacktown City, Ku-ring-gai, Eastwood Ryde, Inner West, Manly Warringah and Sutherland are running their own All Abilities competitions. The same is happening in regional areas like Newcastle, Port Stephens, Narrandera, Bathurst and Gosford. In Forbes, the All Abilities Come and Try Day has grown from 40 to 170 participants in just a few years — a sign of the growing demand and enthusiasm for inclusive netball across the state.
