2023 – our first “normal” season since 2019. No COVID lockdowns or requirements to stay at home if you were a close contact and didn’t the wider netball community embrace the freedom. It was exciting to see everyone back on the courts both at training and matches, exciting to catch up properly with long time team mates or rivals and exciting to play our game again for another season. We welcomed back players and welcomed into the Club new players who brought with them experience or a wide eyed excitement at a return to the game or maybe their first season ever.
The new inclusive uniform introduced in 2022 of shorts and top did not take off across the wider netball community. Some of our players chose to wear this option again in 2023 while others reverted back to the dress. Either uniform is easy to wear with no substantial difference to be seen on court. We will continue to offer the inclusive uniform to our members.
Thank you as always to the sponsors, life members and patrons that continue to support our Club. Your contributions in the many & varied ways this happens are appreciated and respected by us all.
2023 saw Echunga well represented in the Association individual awards. Congratulations to:
- Caleb Dunning – 11&U Div 2 B&F
- Alice Marshall – 15&U Div 3 R/Up B&F
- Paige Clark – 15&U Div 2 R/Up B&F
- Rebecca Hull – 3rd Junior Whistle Award
- Felicity Duffield – Gold Whistle & Team of the Year Umpire
- our players chosen to represent Mid Hills in 2024
The 2022 President’s report mentioned the Club moving to our Future Stars Academy in place of the Net Set Go programme. This first ran from November 2022 until March 2023. The programme & timing proved successful with great feedback received. Using our first experience with the Academy we are in the process of the 2nd Future Stars programme which commenced in November 2023. Carmen Harkness is being supported by Glenis Sward with 12 future players attending & enjoying the sessions. Thanks to you both for your hard work & input into our future.
Fundraising continues to be important to the Club. We took part in Bunnings BBQ, wine drives and the return of the All British Day. 2023 also saw us participate in a Sports/Sponsors Race at the Oakbank Easter Carnival. We were chosen to attend a draw in which we selected a horse at random to run in the race on our behalf. Nat & Hayley Steward not only attended the draw but also picked the winning horse – netting the Club $5,000 in winnings which have been put to good use purchasing some extra uniforms, equipment & just generally topping up the Bank account for the future. Another new initiative was joining the Netball SA Community Raffle. Netball SA supply the prizes, run an online purchasing system & the Club benefits receiving full funding from all of the tickets sold on our platform. We will certainly partake again in the future.
Our soup and sizzle nights at a few trainings bring together families and promote a sense of belonging within the Club. Our breakups, both Jnr & Snr, held at the German Arms are well attended with the current afternoon/evening format working well.
PlayHQ continues to evolve. We are grateful for the time & expertise that Jaye Smith gives to ensuring we are current, aware & learning with each new procedure. The information packs that Jaye produces are exceptional.
Treasurer James Roberts is thrown new fees or charges which then relate to every player nearly every year but keeps our accounts immaculately. Our communication with our members continues to be such an important part of our Club. Jo Hayhurst keeps us all on our toes with emails and text messages when there are issues of importance. Our Social Media posts keep us all up to date. Thanks to Chloe Schaefer for taking on that role in 2023. Amelia Trabilsie has been our Secretary for 2 years & is looking to pass on the baton this year. Thanks for your commitment and input Amelia. Jade Vanzo, Carmen Harkness, Phil Crowder, Nat Steward & Di Gray are the other faces on our Committee – everyone does their job, puts their hand up and gives back to the Club. We meet monthly or when necessary with these members deserving more than just your thanks.
Two of our Life Members are taking a break this season. I use that term as I’m sure we’ll see them again but for now, John & Narelle (Schaefer), enjoy your holidays & your life change. Thank you for more than anyone will ever know or appreciate.
Oh, I haven’t forgotten…..the triple treat finishes this report…..3 premierships, 11&U Div 2, 15&U Div 2 & B3’s. What a day we had!!! Lots of support from the red & blue all day. It was only 10 seconds that possibly cost us a 4th…..well done to the A2’s who fell short in probably the most exciting match of the day.
We look forward to the 2024 season. A brand new challenge with “Inters” replacing 17&U and 15&U. A learning curve for everyone but what an opportunity it gives. Plus 13’s head back to Saturdays. For the first time in over 20 years the whole Club will be in the same place on the same day.
YOUR input & support is needed & necessary in our 77th year.
Carolyn Downing
President
8 February 2024
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