The Sunbury Netball Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, marking a long history on and off the court.
A celebratory afternoon is set for Sunday, November 17. The event will feature past committee members and presidents and Netball Australia representatives to discuss the association’s history and celebrate the sport.
Association vice president Amanda Azzopardi, who has played netball in Sunbury for about 43 years, said that the association originally started as a small ladies team in 1974 that began playing on an asphalt court at Sunbury Recreation Reserve.
She said the game has changed since she began playing at age seven.
“The pace of the game has certainly increased, also now there’s male participation, and we’re actually quite encouraged from Netball Victoria to encourage boys to play so that’s really good,” Ms Azzopardi said.
“It’s a great team sport. The ball’s got to touch every third (of the court), so you can’t just have one dominant player, you need your teammates around you to actually be a great team … it really encourages team morale,” she said.
“We’ve got women that still play in their 60s … netball’s a game for any age or any skill.”
Ms Azzopardi said she felt “very honoured” to be vice president in the association’s 50th year.
“I’ve been involved since I was a little girl … [the association has] always been volunteer-based and it’s still volunteer-based. I’m still proud that it’s run by volunteers,” she said.
Association president Tracie Quigley said that throughout its history, the association always had a team of passionate volunteer committee members who strive to support young netball players.
The association will celebrate its 50th year at Witchmount Winery in Plumpton from 1pm–5pm on Sunday, November 17.
Bookings are required before November 1.
Details: trybooking.com/CVHJM
Oscar Parry
