THE Grasshoppers Netball Club held its first community outreach event this weekend with a rubbish pick-up drive from Muanikau Park to Stella Maris Primary School.
In a statement released yesterday, the club said the event brought together young players, their families and club leaders to clean the area and raise awareness about protecting the environment.
The clean-up wasn’t just about making the neighbourhood look better, but also about encouraging pride and responsibility in community spaces, the club said.
Club secretary Unaisi Ranavue said the outreach is part of the club’s goal to help develop confident and responsible young women.
“At Grasshoppers Netball Club, we are not just developing netball players; we are raising strong, responsible and socially aware young women,” she said.
The Suva-based club has grown fast and focuses on more than just sport.
It supports the mental, spiritual and social growth of girls, many of whom are in primary and early secondary school.
The club also offers extra classes to help Year 8 girls balance their schoolwork and sports training.
The rubbish pick-up is just the first of many community projects planned to teach young players about environmental care and public service.
Club founder and head coach Alumeci Sachs said their mission is to empower girls both on and off the court.
“Our aim is to keep our girls engaged, educated, and empowered,” she said.
“Netball is the medium, but the mission is to build better citizens.”
The press release also revealed upcoming events for 2025.
Two teams-under-12 and U14, will compete in the Queensland Nissan State Age Championship in Brisbane this July.
A mangrove planting activity, in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry, is scheduled for June 7 along the Suva-Lami corridor.
The club will also run workshops on career advice, health education and gender equality.
