By DAVID NAGEL
HAMPTON Park Netball Club is working feverishly to field all 10 teams in the South East Football Netball League in 2016.
The Redbacks, who fielded all four senior teams in 2015 but struggled with junior numbers, have set up a working relationship with Casey Netball Association club Narre South Lions.
While nothing official will bind the two clubs, both parties can see some real positives in providing added opportunities for the Lions’ juniors to play in the SEFNL competition, where clubs are required to field six junior teams on a Saturday.
Eight of the nine clubs in SEFNL fielded two teams in the 17, 15 and 13 and Under age brackets while the Redbacks could field just one in the 17 and 15 and Under competitions.
Narre South Lions Netball Club coach Roger Palmer said the working relationship with the Redbacks seemed ideal for both parties.
“For us, our club is three years old now and it’s important that we look at the next phase of our development,” Palmer said.
“Hampton Park has some gaps that need filling and have been really receptive in the talks we’ve had about our two clubs working together. We have players who already play at other clubs in SEFNL, so we won’t be forcing our players to Hampton Park, but this really does open up more opportunities for our participants.”
Hampton Park head coach Kylie Kibble was equally as enthusiastic about the partnership.
“I’ve been all for it from day one, I think it’s a great idea and if we can field all 10 teams every Saturday that has to be a great thing for our club and for the league,” she said.
“This will add some real depth and create a great atmosphere around the club. There’s already a buzz around the place right now as we head into our tryouts.”
As it currently stands the Redbacks’ home base at Robert Booth Reserve only has the one court, with two courts required to play all 10 games of netball at the one facility on the one day.
“We’re desperate to get that second court so we can all stick together as a club,” Kibble said.
It’s understood that Netball Victoria and local council have had preliminary discussions about the installation of a second court.
HAMPTON PARK NETBALL CLUB TRYOUTS
JUNIORS
13, 15 and 17 and Under
Times: Friday 13 and 20 November, 5pm to 7pm
SENIORS
A, B, C and D Grade
Times: Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 November, noon to 2pm
Venue: Robert Booth Reserve, Somerville Road, Hampton Park
Enquiries – Lisa Simpson (secretary) 0417 399 734 and Kylie Kibble (head coach) 0411 244 297.
