Netball gear drive gives young players a chance to shine

A new donation campaign is giving young netball players the opportunity to stay in the game by providing access to essential equipment such as shoes and netballs.

The Premier Netball Tournament has launched a pre-loved netball gear donation campaign, collecting usable netball shoes, sports shoes suitable for netball and netballs for players, schools and clubs in need.

Tournament organiser and Premier Sports Group director Arina Viljoen told Walkerville & Savanna City Times the campaign was born out of years of seeing talented young players miss opportunities simply because they lacked the right equipment.

“Some talented young players simply cannot afford proper netball shoes or equipment. In some cases, teammates even have to share shoes. That breaks my heart, because if we truly want to grow the sport, we need to start with the basics,” she said.

Viljoen explained that proper equipment is essential for player development and safety, adding that donated shoes and netballs will help more children participate, train and build their confidence on the court.

The campaign has already received support, APlus Netball Academy parents from have contributed pre-loved shoes.

She said previous donation drives had already made a meaningful difference, with about 40 pairs of shoes distributed to underprivileged players through the Ubuntu League.

“Some of these shoes were almost brand new, and you should have seen the faces of those kids who received them. It brings me to tears,” Viljoen said.

She encouraged schools, clubs and community members to support the initiative by donating equipment they no longer use.

“If every netball player donated just one pair of shoes they have outgrown, imagine how many young girls could take the court next season with confidence. Talent should never be limited by a lack of equipment,” she added.