Umpire, leader program praise

THE Southern Tasmanian Netball Association is celebrating the long running achievements of their Junior Leadership and Junior Umpiring Development Programs tomorrow night at Hobart Netball and Sports Centre.

The inspirational programs highlight the importance the association places in the future of its young members with both programs celebrating 20 and 10 years of success respectively.

The Junior Leadership Program was established because the association identified an opportunity to de- velop young members who had potential to become future leaders within the association and/or their club.

More than 180 girls have graduated with many taking on leadership roles in the association and its 10 clubs.

This has included graduates who have been employed by the association, been members of their club committees or boards, coached and umpired at club and association level, even coached for Tasmania at national underage championships.

The Junior Umpire Development Program was founded with the aim of developing young umpire’s skills and to assist their progression to nationally recognised badge accreditation.

The success of the JUD program has seen 126 graduates with more than 40 having gone on to gain their umpiring accreditation. Many still continue to umpire at the association and beyond, with the graduates umpiring the state league competition along with being invited to umpire the national underage championships.

Participants of both programs have lauded its success as being instrumental in their netball journeys.

Association president Glynis Dev- ereux was all praise for the programs and their success over the years.

“As president I am extremely proud of these two programs, which have given many young players the opportunity to develop their involvement in netball.

“After 20 and 10 years respectively, both programs continue to be popular and have also inspired other associations to develop similar models.”

Junior player Eloise Jones is looking forward to the program.

“I’ve really enjoyed the program and I’m hoping to continue to develop my skills and confidence,” she said.