Youth Volunteer Week celebrates young people striving to make a change in their communities and encourages students to give volunteering a go.
Netball New Zealand (NNZ) is thankful for the thousands of Youth Volunteers that help make Netball a success every week throughout the country.
To help celebrate the week we caught up with Netball New Zealand Youth Board members Hannah Bisset (aged 18) and Hannah Soper (aged 19) – two Netball volunteer legends who are giving a lot back to the sport.
“The feeling that we get when we leave a positive impact on someone, or something is unmatched. We love netball, we love being involved so being able to express this all while giving back is special. We have made some valuable connections all over the country which we are very grateful for,” said Soper.
Both Soper (from Waimate) and Bisset (from Cromwell) – referred to as ‘The Hannahs’ – also lead the Netball South Youth Advisory Group and volunteer at events including the Fast5 and ANZ Premiership Games in Invercargill and Dunedin. In previous years before moving away to university, they were coaches and umpires at their respective home centres.
“Coming from small, tight-knit communities you really learn to appreciate and be grateful for the people who gave up their time to help you, so we think that’s where our passion for volunteering comes from. We love giving back to our communities and working with young rangatahi. Watching them grow and develop not only within the game but within themselves really fills our cup,” said Bisset.
The Netball New Zealand Youth Board was established in 2019, with the aim to inform and consult with NNZ and key stakeholders on various aspects of sport and how they affect young people.
“We want to give rangatahi a platform where they will be not only be heard but listened to. Gaining young leaders not just a seat at the table, but a voice in the room is real driving factor in our work as volunteers,” said Soper.
Their advice to others keen to become Netball volunteers is simple.
“Reach out to people! Sending an email or message to someone expressing your interest really does show that you’re taking initiative and are serious about wanting to be involved. The worst someone can say is no, and, you haven’t lost anything in that process. Connections are everything.”
‘The Hannahs’ said they were lucky enough to be on the Netball New Zealand Youth Board with NETFITNZ Community Lead and great role model Georgia Trent.
“She does everything from creating social content to running clinics to organising collaborations and campaigns - and she’s only 22! We’ve known Georgia for three years now, we’ve loved watching her grow the Netball New Zealand Youth Board and NETFITNZ. She’s so passionate about everything she does and is the perfect example of a great leader and outstanding volunteer.”
To register your interest and be connected with your local Netball Centre, you can find more information here.
Find out more about Youth Volunteer Week here.
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If you are inspired by the work the ‘Hannahs’ are doing, then please get in touch! Netball New Zealand is currently recruiting for more members on the Netball New Zealand Youth Board. Find out more here.