PENOLA’S budding netballers shared an opportunity of a lifetime last Thursday when Adelaide Thunderbirds players Fiona Fowler and Kate Shimmin hosted four training sessions at McCorquindale Park.
As a Net Set Go ambassador, Fowler led the clinic, while Shimmin enjoyed her first experience at the head of the program.
Throughout the sessions the youngsters participated in a range of fun activities aimed to help develop skills and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The girls were constantly moving and smiles and giggles were aplenty as they were tutored by the two role models.
Organised by Penola’s Net Set Go coordinator Trish Wooding, the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all who attended.
Fowler also enjoyed the experience and said it was good to pass on her knowledge at a grassroots level.
“I loved it, the girls were fantastic – thanks to Trish for organising it,” she said.
“It was a bit of a drive out there, but it was fantastic to get out to the grassroots netball and make sure they continue playing and are enjoying it.”
She also stated it was good to show that just because her and Shimmin play at a national level, they are still everyday people, showing that anyone can make it to the top levels of their sport.
“I guess they see us on the TV or whatnot, but for them to meet us in person and know that we are just normal people is really good,” Fowler said.
“I started playing netball outdoors in Mooroopna where I am from, in country Victoria, so (Penola) is very similar to where I grew up.”
She said one of the main aims of the clinics is to keep netball fun and engage the youngsters in the sport.
“If it is something that will keep them engaged and playing netball and making friends and being healthy, that is what the message (of the program) is about,” Fowler said.
One of the participants of the Net Set Go program Bree Wooding said she had a lot of fun at the clinic and liked “everything” about the experience.
“The Thunderbirds were lots of fun,” she said.
Trish Wooding also thanked the sponsors and volunteers who helped in the process of bringing the netballers to Penola.
“I’d like to thank the sponsors, as well as the Penola Netball Club, Netball SA and the helpers of the Net Set Go and Auskick sausage sizzle,” she said.
