By Mikayla van Loon
After two years of cancelled sport, netball clubs like Bimbadeen Blaze Netball Club have been struggling to attract players across the younger age groups for the winter season.
Vice president Ali James said there has been a real lack of interest across all age groups but particularly the under 11s, under 13s and under 15s.
“The dynamics of the club have changed this year because a lot of the under 17s have gone on to do bigger and better things, like play Rep and state and that sort of stuff,” she said.
“It’s an issue with a lot of the younger siblings as well, some have gone onto a different club. A few people decided not to continue on.”
Ms James said the club has really had to push to get players to return, by calling parents to encourage them to let their children play but she is not sure why there has been such a decline.
“I’m not really sure to be completely honest with you. We’ve got two under 11s registered, we’ve got some 13s and 15s, which we can do as a mixed team, but it’s not ideal.
“It’s been a tough recruit this season, that’s for sure.”
The clubs registration numbers are sitting around 50 per cent less than what they would normally be in a regular season.
With the popularity of football especially for young girls, Ms James said she thinks that could be having an impact on recruiting.
“I think that introduction of something different for them as well, that’s probably a bit appealing.
“A lot of kids are playing footy now and it just might be too much playing netball on Saturday and playing footy on a Sunday.”
Ms James said after the last couple of years being as difficult as they have been for many people in the community, she wouldn’t be surprised if people just need a breather, before getting back into weekend sport and regular commitments.
Registrations for Bimbadeen Blaze Netball Club are open until next Friday 25 February and the club is offering free registration and uniforms for all new players.
