THE Naitasiri Netball Association is grateful for the exposure their players received during the 2025 Battle of the Netters competition, which took place at the National Netball Centre in Laucala.
Fielding a total of six teams in various age groups, including under-15, U18, three open-women’s teams, and one open men’s team, the competition provided a great challenge for the players.
Many of the players were not selected through trials but were chosen to be part of the team as the competition approached.
Arieta Naisake, the Secretary of the Naitasiri Netball Association, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against other Associations from around the country.
While the primary focus was not solely on winning, the team aimed to gain exposure and enjoy the sport.
“We can say our teams really had a great experience in the competition, most of our players this is their first big tournament, we are so grateful for the exposer,” said Naisake.
She adds the dedication and hard work of the players were evident throughout the competition, with many of them experiencing a tournament of this scale for the first time.
Despite facing challenges in forming the teams and financial constraints, support from sponsors played a vital role in ensuring the players were equipped with new jerseys and training gear to compete at their best.
She adds the team was fortunate to have access to facilities at the Nasinu Multipurpose court for training, thanks to the support of the Nasinu town council.
Seeking sponsorship from various companies and organisations was crucial for the team, as many of the players are stay-at-home mothers, school leavers, students, or tertiary students.
The Naitasiri Netball Association is grateful for the support they have received and is eager to continue representing their team in upcoming tournaments.