Fifty ‘n not out
Headed up by Angela Hussey, DNA has its sights on creating a Regional Netball Hub to reach all players and clubs in the surrounding districts.
‘‘DNA has a long and vibrant history, and we will continue to build on its reputation as being an inclusive organisation and continue to build on our junior programs.’’ Hussey said.
‘‘We recognise the importance that sport plays in the ongoing mental health and wellbeing of our community, and we applaud the minister for youth, Bronnie Taylor and how she focuses on sport as a way to build confidence in young people.’’
DNA plans to build up the formal netball competition to make it more competitive.
‘‘It’s time we reinvigorate DNA and increase our playing membership,’’ Hussey said.
‘‘Many of the parents used to play at DNA when the competition was really big. ‘‘We want to get back to those days!’’ The facilities at DNA are impressive; the courts have just been resurfaced, there’s a brand-new toilet and change room facility, and the state-of-the-art playground is almost installed.
DNA is partnering with the Deniliquin Rhinos cricket club to expand and share the clubrooms.
‘‘It’s a terrific collaboration,’’ Rhinos secretary Brad Todd said.
‘‘Our clubs are side by side and I see this as being a great sporting precinct for Deni families.
‘‘We look forward to working with Angela and her committee to offer exciting opportunities to members.’’
With DNA celebrating its 50th year, Hussey said now is a great time ‘‘to reflect on our past success and explore what opportunities we can find to change things up’’.
‘‘Our team has great ideas in the pipeline, including our goal to position ourselves as the Regional Netball Hub. It is a very exciting time for DNA.’’
There will be some changes to the DNA program in 2022, mainly the annual competition which will run in term one of the school year.
‘‘Teams and individuals will be able to come and get their ‘pre-season’ at DNA. There will be no need to arrange practice matches, we will do that for you,” Hussey explains.
‘‘We also want to attract players from other communities that may have missed out with their local netball club or would like to try their hand at representative netball. So far, the response from other towns has been really positive.
‘‘We are really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve over the coming years.’’
Another change is the Representative Tryouts which will be held soon.
The tryouts are usually held in Term 1, however they should be held to Christmas this year — once community sport is given the green light.
Angela also called out for players, umpires and anyone who wants to try their hand at coaching.