Fifteen local netball coaches took part in the first Level Two Netball Coaching Course delivered by the South Australian Institute of Sport, Assistant Coach Megan Carter, on Wednesday, 14 October in Nuku'alofa.

This training was aimed to improve the knowledge of the game and improving teaching skills, equipping participants to identify and train new coaches in their communities.

Carter said it was rewarding to see the passion for netball in Tonga. “The level of skill and love for the game has risen significantly as shown by the great performance in Papua New Guinea during the Pacific Games,“ she said.

The skills learnt by the coaches also extended to their lives outside the netball court.

“Coaching is a great way to develop confidence and leadership qualities particularly for young women,” said Olivia Philpott, Community Partnerships and International Development Manager for Netball Australia.

Over 70 women participated in sports governance training under the program and many have gone on to important roles in sporting associations and leadership forums across the Pacific.

This course was provided as part of the Pacific Sports Partnership by Netball Australia Tonga Netball Association and the Australian Government.

Since starting in 2011 more than 12,500 participants attended netball events in Tonga supported by the Pacific Sports Partnership.