Auckland Netball is affirming their commitment to the growth of boys and men’s netball in partnership with the Go Media Stars with the introduction of a new boy’s competition.
The mid-week after school league will run for six weeks, beginning early in Term 3. Registrations will be taken from schools and individuals, with the hope to be able to form a team for these keen boys play to in, if their school doesn’t offer it.
Auckland Netball Games Liaison Anne Nicholson says this is an important step towards keeping male involvement high in netball.
“They can play alongside girls from years one to eight, but once they reach the age of 12, they’re meant to separate into a boys grade, but often it ends there for them. We’re trying to create a pathway for boys to continue playing netball and we just have to provide more opportunities so they enjoy it and play more.” Nicholson said.
There is also the Combined Points Tournament which has run since 1989 and will take place on August 6th. While it is primarily for girls teams, there will be a 12 team boys tournament played on the side.
Last week the Auckland Netball Centre hosted a boys tournament to allow players to test their skills against one another, with 18 teams participating.
Nicholson says the tournament was about getting the boys out of the classroom, in the hope they’ll be encouraged to sign up for the league.
“The athleticism the boys showed was mind-blowing, their fun and enjoyment and unorthodox approach to netball is so exciting.” Nicholson explained.
“We had the Harrison hoist happening, we had gridiron between the legs passes, most shots at goal included a jump before putting the shot up and just having a different approach was really refreshing.”
Members of the Stars Men’s squad attended the tournament and helped out during the day, while showing the players where the game could take them if they stay committed.
“We had Stars Men’s coach Junior Manapori and players Kevin Bell, Tyrah Lauagiagi, Matt Davis and Tane Apaapa attend, which was beautiful, because it showed the boys playing that there is netball beyond primary school and that they can carry onto high school and greater things like the Stars men’s team.” Nicholson added.
Auckland Netball will be supporting the Stars Men during their upcoming series with the Mystics Men, where the Stars will don the Auckland Netball logo on their playing singlets and warm up tees.
“We wanted to work together because the mens teams will need players in the future and we’ve got them. We look forward to continue working towards enabling these future players to continue playing netball.”
The Stars Men open their campaign against the Mystics Men at Pulman Arena on Monday evening before the Stars host the Mystics in their ANZ Premiership match.
