Wakatipu’s Rachel Little has always been involved in sport and now finds fulfilment in giving back to her community by volunteering her time to support junior netball.
“Seeing the numbers grow and grow each year (12 per cent between 2022 and 2023) makes me think we’re doing a good job,” says Rachel, nominated as Volunteer of the Month for coaching, organising and supporting the Wakatipu Netball Junior Committee members.
Rachel’s journey began eight years ago when her daughter signed up for Woolworths futureFERNS in Year One, prompting Rachel to sign up as a coach.
Since then, she has helped get the sport up and running at their local primary school, organised the Get Ready for Netball programme and set up the Player Development Programme for Year 7 & 8.
Three years ago, Rachel’s whānau started at the local school Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. Last year the school went from four school teams, some of which were combined with other schools, to this year having a total of eight teams with at least one in each year group. The school has got behind netball in a big way, with the Woolworths futureFERNS programme being embraced wholeheartedly!
She is also on the Wakatipu Junior Netball Committee and says it’s thanks to everyone doing their bit that keeps things ticking along.
“Coming from a rural background where I spent years playing netball from a small country club down South, you realise it’s volunteers who make these sports happen. I always knew later down the track, with kids of my own, I would be doing the same,” she says.
Rachel acknowledges that it’s often the busy people who take on the roles but it’s the people – the young and old – and the happiness the game brings them, that keeps volunteers coming back to give their time.
“I get joy in the players turning up each week wanting to learn and play a sport they love - I remember that feeling. There’s something special about a team sport.
Rachel says she can see the value in girls being active and sporty from an early age through to their teenage years.
“The friendships you make from sports are some of the best! It’s kids out there doing it; those are the kids and people you want to surround yourself with. I just think it’s a big part of life, so giving my time to make sure players have this experience, is awesome,” says Rachel.
If you are interested in becoming a netball volunteer, you can register your interest here and we will connect you to your local Netball Centre.
If your community wants to run the Year 7 & 8 Player Development Programme, this resource has everything you need to get started.Plus, check out the Woolworths futureFERNS programme.