Netball WA and WAIS Unveil Change to Pathway Management
Netball WA, in conjunction with Netball Australia and the Western Australian Institute of Sport are pleased to announce a change in the operating model for High Performance Netball in WA, to take effect from July 1st, 2017.
As the governing body for the sport in the State, Netball WA will assume responsibility for the management and oversight of all player development programs, with WAIS to continue to support nationally categorised athletes with performance services that are integrated into the governing body’s High Performance programs.
Netball WA CEO Simon Taylor said the pathway management change was a natural progression for the sport as it continues to move to a fully professional era.
“Our game has taken another significant step forward this year following the introduction of Suncorp Super Netball, and this move is just another phase in that process,” Taylor said.
“WAIS have been outstanding in their leadership of this program for the past 16 years and, given the exponential growth of our sport in recent times, and the undeniably strong position we now enjoy, it is role that we are proud to assume.”
“With endless opportunities ahead for netball, both at a state and national level, it is imperative we continue to develop West Australian talent through the player pathway, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with WAIS in order to ensure an increase in the number of these athletes that are nationally identified.”
WAIS CEO, Steve Lawrence, said the change represented a positive step for the sport locally.
“Netball in this state has evolved in recent times, both in terms of growth and opportunity,” Lawrence said.
“From the addition of a world class netball facility, to the increased high performance capacity within the state sporting organisation, the sport is in a strong position to meets its objective of being the first fully professional women’s sport in WA in the near future.”
“To continue this progression requires a significant change to the current talent development pathway and WAIS is proud to extend and evolve its partnership with Netball Australia and Netball WA to continue to promote emerging junior talent through to the very highest level.”
Mr Lawrence also highlighted the impact of long-term WAIS Netball Program coach Michelle Wilkins who advised WAIS and Netball WA in March, of her intent to step-down from coaching.
“Michelle has contributed significantly across all areas of high performance netball in Western Australia and also at the National level in a manner that has directly contributed to realisation of the potential of many athletes and the sport itself,” Lawrence said.
“I believe the sport owes a significant debt of gratitude to the outstanding work carried out by Michelle over many years.”
Netball Australia’s Head of High Performance, Andrew Collins, said the transition had the full support of the National body.
“A key part of the program’s success has been the contribution by all the partners to investing and supporting young talent and we are looking forward to contributing to the partnership in the years ahead,” Collins said.
From July 1, WAIS will continue to support netball through its Individual Athlete Support Program in collaboration with Netball WA and Netball Australia.