Young netball stars grow through teamwork

Laerskool Impala’s U8 Team 1 hosted Aston Manor Primary’s Team 1 in a mini netball fixture on May 30, where both sides showcased growing skills, teamwork and enthusiasm as part of an ongoing development programme aimed at introducing young learners to the sport.

While Impala secured a 9–0 victory, the programme’s focus remains firmly on participation, sportsmanship and skill development rather than competition results, with players aged U6 to U9 encouraged to learn, grow and enjoy the game.

Both schools demonstrated clear improvement from the beginning of the programme, with better passing, movement and understanding of positions on court.

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Aston Manor Primary coach Macaela Bezuidenhout said coaching young learners comes with challenges, particularly in helping them understand the game’s structure, but noted significant progress over time.

“In terms of training the little ones, it is a little bit difficult for them trying to understand the game, but with practice, they definitely understand different positions and they have really improved later in the games,” said Bezuidenhout.

She added that the mini netball programme plays an important role in developing basic skills while also exposing learners to different schools each week.

“We were a little bit not good at the start, but this is our last game and we have really improved. We’ve mastered our positions, game attack and passing to each other,” she said.

Despite the result, Aston Manor showed notable improvement in teamwork, stepping and passing compared to earlier fixtures in the programme.

The initiative is designed to build confidence, develop fundamental netball skills and encourage teamwork among young players. Coaches said the rotation of positions has also helped learners discover their strengths and enjoy different aspects of the game.

Laerskool Impala coach Anel Schlemmer said keeping young learners engaged requires a flexible and fun approach to training.

“The concentration of the little ones is everywhere, so it is difficult for them to stay focused for the whole session,” said Schlemmer.

“So we usually do a practice session and then a game, alternating to keep it fun and maintain their attention.”

She said the biggest transformation has been seen not only in skills, but also in relationships and team spirit.

“The girls improved a lot from the beginning until now, not only in skills but also in bonding and teamwork. They have become like a family, and I am very proud of them. It was a really good season,” she said.

Schools participating in the programme included Laerskool Impala, Aston Manor Primary, Laerskool Kruinsig, Laerskool Edleen, Laerskool Birchleigh, Maranatha Christian School, Laerskool Kempton Park, Laerskool Helderkruin and Laerskool Constantia Park.