Suva Netball Survives Despite No Sponsors

Suva Netball Association (SNA) recorded its highest number of players and teams last year despite having no major sponsorship.

This was highlighted in their annual general meeting games report at FASANOC office, Suva, yesterday.

The SNA survived with the 2019 cash balance, registration fees and gate takings.

Last year 79 teams and more than 1000 players in eight grades were registered for the weekly club competition.

And with the COVID-19 restrictions, they pulled off successfully despite starting the season later than scheduled.

SNA president, Georgina Lasaqa said they would want to continue and do better with their league competitions this year which is scheduled for April 10.

“This year we are looking at more teams and players to come in,” she said.

“Even with no sponsorship, we managed

Suva Netball Association executives after their annual general meeting at FASANOC boardroom on March 6, 2021. to do well. We were down with a club but there was an increase in the number of players despite the pandemic.

“I appreciate all the club teams’ management for their assistance and support.

“Last year was the first for SNA to have team ID’s submitted, however it still need improvement,” Lasaqa added.

A major area of concern was the highest number of injuries recorded by those in the roses and the princess grade, which is something they would look into at this year’s games.

Some issues raised by club executives included concerns on the decreased number of teams in the development category.

The development category was important terms of developing and transition of players from the princess to the super grade.

Other issues discussed included fitness and availability of umpires.

Super League

SNA was also grateful that 28 of their players were selected for the national Reset Digicel Punjas Super League Championship last year.

Fifteen of the 25-member national training squad are SNA members including the youngest squad member, 15-year-old Elina Drikibau.

New Teams

There would be two new inclusions to the SNA this year and they are Tiki and Royals. Wardens and Savura have also returned to Suva as well as the CBM Lilians which played with the Nasinu Netball Association last year.

Complain Stats

There were only three complaints lodged for the season. The drop in the complaints were attributed to restriction of playing up or down rule, restrictions on borrowing of players and the introduction of the players ID and team IDs registration form.

Committee Challenges

• Cancellation of knockouts and special tournaments to cut costs.

• Adoption and compliance COVID-19 sports

• Surge in the number of teams

• Restriction of registered players to 15

• Submission of IDs and registration ID forms on time

SNA will confirm its sponsorship for the 2021 season later. to the