Geelong Central Netball Association celebrates 100 years

GEELONG Central Netball Association (GCNA) will mark its 100th year of operation in October, celebrating its role in promoting netball and providing a place for the community to come together and enjoy the sport over the decades.

GCNA president Lisa Hatton said throughout those 100 years the association had always been a team of passionate coaches, committee members, umpires and volunteers, striving to give young netball players a fantastic and enriching netball experience.

“Our goal today is not only to develop athletic skills in young players, but also to foster values such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

“We have designed an all-inclusive netball competition for ages, genders and abilities, and we also run a representative program for aspiring netballers, focusing on skills development,

physical fitness, and character building.”

The GCNA has a rich history starting in the1920s when women’s basketball was played at the woollen mills, offering an opportunity for exercise and social engagement particularly for the English women brought out to use the machines.

Mill managers drew courts on the ground and games were played mainly at lunchtime.

The activity became so popular that The Blue Triangle Club got involved, and then in 1924 the Geelong Unity Girls Club took over the competition on a Saturday afternoon.

Today, the associations offer programs and competitions for NetSetGo, minis, juniors, boys U12s and U14s, seniors, mixed, walking netball and all abilities, with more than 400 registered players.

GCNA secretary Liz Coles said that aside from playing, the association also offered a number of other exciting opportunities for development.

“Our coaching staff consists of dedicated individuals who are experienced and provide mentoring for our younger players.

“Our umpiring mentorship program provides a solid foundation for novice umpires to develop the skills and confidence needed for successful officiating.”

Details of the official 100 year celebration will be announced shortly via GCNA’s social media channels, and attendees can expect an afternoon filled with history, stories and memorabilia plus an exciting panel of speakers.

If you would like more information or to be added to the invite list, email [email protected]