Sport
15 November, 2024
Netball moves outdoors while new floor installed
WARRNAMBOOL indoor netball matches will move outdoors for the remainder of the current season to allow the installation of new flooring.
The netball courts at Caramut Road’s Val Bertrand Stadium will receive new flooring over coming weeks, resulting in games being moved outdoors.
This week saw the final round of indoor games played, and it is now hoped the work will be complete by February next year.
According to Warrnambool City Netball Association’s Marg Morgan, the relocation of games from inside to out will see the 13 and under and 15 and under teams play one game of their regular season outdoors before starting outdoor finals.
The 11 and under competition will have three games outside.
“It’s certainly a very exciting project and we have been working with Rod Sanderson, the ARC manager, to make alternate arrangements for the remainder of our season,” Ms Morgan said.
“Our Net Set Go program, which runs on Friday nights, has been able to move to the Arc show court for the remaining rounds of the 2024 program.”
The biggest change will be to the existing senior ladies and mixed netball competitions.
Moving outdoors from next week, games will start slightly earlier to accommodate the light – and, given there are more courts outdoors, more games will be played at the one time.
“The mixed competition will finish its 2024 season outdoors, with the grand final on December 11, while the ladies’ will carry over to resume on February 5 next year,” Ms Morgan said.
A reminder to all players, officials and supporters that there will be no access to the netball stadium from the end of this week.
Toilet access will be in the Arc (northern end of the corridor).
All senior players are asked to complete their game fee payments, prior to the start of play, in front of the building windows.
“We thank the entire netball community for their flexibility over this period,” Ms Morgan said.
Warrnambool City Netball Association has funded a free NetFit clinic for current juniors this Sunday, November 17 between 9am and 12 noon.
The clinic will be run by local Sarah Wall along with Melbourne Maverick player Kristiana Manu’a.
The association hopes to return to indoor play once work on the new surface is complete.
It is also gauging interest for a possible 17 and under competition to run in term one next year.
“A boys competition across a variety of levels is something we’re also hoping to introduce and would love to hear from anyone interested.
“There are player pathways for male netball players at all levels.”
