THE introduction of structured netball club competitions in Nadi has significantly improved the standard of netball, according to Nadi Netball Primary School team manager Ro Iliana Totou.
Totou said the club game assisted them to prepare for the national meet currently in progress at Subrail Park in Labasa, Vanua Levu despite disruptions earlier in the season.
“The establishment of the Nadi Netball Association last year played a key role in strengthening development pathways,” she said.
“We started with club competitions and progressed to open grade level. Most of the players are now coming through these club games
She said the system had eased pressure on teachers and coaches by allowing players to develop their skills through regular club participation.
“It has reduced the burden on teachers because players are already gaining experience through club.”
She said there had been a noticeable improvement in performance levels across the district.
“We have seen a big change in the girls’ performance through their involvement in club games during the off-season. It has been a major boost to their development.”
She said this included a natural disaster that forced the closure of schools for a week after their week eight district meet.
“After week eight, we were affected by a natural disaster which left schools closed.
“Following that, the training program was given out so schools could conduct their own training internally.”
She said monitoring was done through the Viber platform, with schools submitting training updates because of the wide geographical spread of teams, including those in the highlands.
“After about two weeks, when weather improved, schools closer to town resumed afternoon training in designated areas.”
She said the schools participating had not done any fundraising as funds were taken from levies.
In total, Toutou said, between 30 to 34 schools participated in the district competition, with selections refined through a final trial in Week 11 before the final squad was confirmed.
