Mavs in the Community
Written by Kara Sak
On Thursday July 25, 2024, Gabby Sinclair and Kristiana Manu’a ventured to Yarra Junction Netball Club and hosted a two-hour netball clinic with their junior athletes.
The clinic presented itself as an exciting opportunity for aspiring professional netballers to showcase their skills to athletes at the elite level, and give our Mavs representatives a chance to pass on their knowledge whilst giving back to the community.
Completing their first season as a club, the Mavs jump at every opportunity to work alongside local netball and spend time with their fans, many of whom are to be the future of the sport!
Julie Ormsby, Vice President, and Committee Member of the Yarra Junction Netball Club commented on what an incredible opportunity it was for the club to host these athletes.
“We as a committee strive to do something unique for our junior players each season. This year we chose to run a clinic with the Mavericks.”
“It is great to know people at the top still engage with local clubs.”
“I really would like to let junior players realise anything is possible if you put your heart into it.”
No doubt, Manu’a and Sinclair are both prime example of what hard work and dedication can bring with their incredible performances at both the attacking and defensive ends for the Mavericks this year.
Their expertise gave the aspiring athletes valuable insights into varying positions on the court, and how to execute specific skills on game day.
“The players were great with the kids.” Continued Ormsby.
“They [the aspiring athletes] were very engaged with what they were being taught and took those skills into game night.”
The Yarra Junction Netball Club was fortunate enough to have been granted funding from local businesses, The Yarra Junction Opp Shop as well as CNW Electrical Wholesale in Croydon to give the club the chance to host the clinic.
Ormsby was exceptionally grateful for the opportunity provided by these sponsors.
“It is great to be able to have businesses sponsor such invaluable lessons for our players in this economic climate.”
Branch Manager of CNW Electrical Wholesale Croydon, Chris Camilleri stated,
“When approached to sponsor this event we jumped at it, watching the kids be so engaged with the professional of their sport was exciting to watch.”
“There was a real buzz around the community in the lead up to the event and it brought everyone together which was pleasing to see.”
“I think that getting kids involved in any team sport at an early age teaches them to be the best version of themselves and thrive within a team environment.”
“Learning to do that [playing in team sports] is beneficial through every stage of life especially in any career they may choose to pursue.”
An incredible opportunity for all those involved, the Melbourne Mavericks are a club rooted in uplifting the community and remaining grounded despite training at the elite level.
“Kristiana and Gabby had so much fun with the kids and the kids absolutely loved having the girls run around with them.” Noted Ormsby at the conclusion of the training.
“It was so phenomenal to watch the kids just be so engaged with them.”
The athletes from Yarra Junction Netball Club had the opportunity to ask our Mavericks questions, furthering their understanding of netball, and getting to know Gabby and Kristiana on a more personal level.
The Yarra Junction Junior Netball Club strive to come down to John Cain Arena next year and see the Melbourne Mavericks in action, and we cannot wait to see them there!
The Melbourne Mavericks are so grateful to have had the strongest support system in their inaugural season and cannot wait to get back out into the community for many seasons to come! Go Mavs!
