‘‘There is a significant increase in player numbers from the previous few seasons, but we still have work to do.’’
The new committee set out to reinvigorate the association and competition format, with the intention of increasing player numbers over the next one to three years.
‘‘This is year one, and I am delighted at how hard our committee and volunteers have worked to get the competition organised.
‘‘It’s great to see new faces as we have increased our reach regionally.’’
DNA has had an extremely positive response to sponsorship packages recently offered to local businesses.
‘‘It’s been so encouraging to see the community support our drive,’’ Hussey explains.
‘‘We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with two gold sponsors this week – Provincial Wealth and tfBannersc Deniliquin Pastoral Timestf$f.’’
Sponsorship coordinator Marie Muldoon said about 20 companies have so far committed either cash or in-kind goods.
‘‘Cash enables us to invest in new equipment, uniforms and will cover trophies and medals, as well as training workshops for players and umpires.
‘‘In-kind goods such as vouchers are used for weekly competition and tournament awards.’’
There has been positive interest in the Umpire Mentor program and DNA is pleased to have secured strong young netball talent to join the coaching team.
Bonnie Everett, Katie Arandt and Makayla Finn will be working with DNA’s under 11s to make sure their skills continue to grow and get them ready to step up next year.
Part of DNA’s vision is to build capacity and create a succession of umpires and coaches that the region can tap into.
DNA will be further expanding its umpire and coaching programs next season.
The Net Set Go program will start on March 16, running for eight weeks with a break for school holidays.
‘‘We can’t wait to get the little ones started,’’ Net Set Go co-ordinator Haylee Chadderton said.
‘‘We are always after parent helpers each week, so if you can assist, please give me a call.’’
DNA is updating its umpire data base and encourages anyone in the region who is experienced and has capacity for either weekly comps, tournaments, or both to complete the online form found on DNA’s Facebook page.
Umpire Coordinator Abbie Thomas is hoping for plenty of interest.
‘‘We are keen to manage availability and preferences so the more that update their details with us the better it will be,’’ she said.
Round one results:
U11: U11 rep 36 def Vixens 0; Firebirds 3 def Diamonds 0.
U13: Just Watch Em 1 lost to Flaming Hot Cheetos 18; Vicious & Delicious 30 def Avengers 1.
U15: Last Minute 19 def Girls on Fire 15; U13 Rep 5 lt U15 Reserves 19.
Open: U15 Championship 34 lt DNA Rep 41; Next Top Models 15 def Get Em 1.
Round one awards:
U11: U11 Rep – Georgia Danckert (Wired voucher); Diamonds – Ava Braybon (DNA Canteen); Vixens – Indi Raper (DNA Canteen Voucher); Firebirds – Wired (Ellie Davis).
U13: Last Minute – Maddie Windfield (Glow Beauty); Girls on Fire – Caitlyn Saunders (Wired); Just Watch Em – Tamika Johnstone (DNA Canteen); Flamin Hot Cheetos – Brydie Maher (Diner).
U15s: U13 rep – Phoebe Newman (Wired); U15 rep reserves – Tarren Wright (Diner); Vicious and Delicious – Lexi Hussey (Wired).
Open: Next Top Models – Chelsea McNamara (DNA Canteen); Get Em – Annie Harvey (Glow Beauty); U15 Championship – Hazel Glowrey (DNA Canteen); U17 Rep – Katie Howard (Wired).
Phone Angela Hussey on 0427 815 863 for general enquiries, Marie Muldoon on 0412 299 721 for sponsorship enquiries, Haylee Chadderton on 0400 915 707 for Net Set Go enquiries and, for umpiring enquiries phone Abbie Thomas on 0408 603 296.
