Academy nets new Coordinator
The Mid West Indigenous Netball Academy has been shooting goals for Indigenous girls in the Mid West region for five years, and now has a new force behind it with the appointment of Coordinator Leonie McEwan.
26 February 2010
The married mother of three boys, who relocated to Geraldton from Port Hedland in late 2006, says she is excited at the opportunity to give something back to the sport that has contributed so much to her life.
“Netball has always been an important part of my life growing up, and it has taught me about team work, camaraderie, respect for yourself and others, as well as having a lot of fun and meeting new people in the process – it’s a great sport,” Leonie said.
“As Coordinator, I hope I can impart some of my knowledge and experience to the Midwest Netball Academy girls and give back what the sport of netball has given me.”
The academy is in its fifth year and aims to provide a positive sporting program that encourages Indigenous girls to attend school, improving their education, fitness, self-esteem and general health, and increasing their chances of a brighter future through education and sporting pathways.
“The academy has proven a success with school attendance and behaviour on a significant rise, and it has also increased promotion and participation of Indigenous girls in the local sporting competitions,” said DSR Mid West Indigenous Sports Development Officer Adrian Bartlett.
“Teams compete in the mainstream, local netball competitions, and team selection is based on school attendance, behaviour and dedication to the program.”
About 90 participants from Year 8 to 12 attend the academy at two campuses – John Wilcock College (lower school) and Geraldton Secondary College (upper school).
The academy employs two female staff and in overseen by a local Indigenous community group, The Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation.
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