ANZ and Netball New Zealand launch junior Netball programme   23 Apr 2015

ANZ and Netball New Zealand launch new junior Netball programme

Netball New Zealand (NNZ) is thrilled to partner with ANZ to launch ANZ futureFERNS, the new nationally recognised junior Netball programme which is enjoying unprecedented growth throughout the country.

A nationwide increase of playing numbers in the junior space in 2014 is being celebrated due to the introduction of the new junior Netball programme which started rolling out in 2014 with more than 5,000 new Year 1 & 2 children taking part in ANZ futureFERNS.

More than 68,000 children from ages 5-12 played Netball throughout New Zealand in 2014, an eight per cent increase from 2013.

NNZ Chief Executive Hilary Poole says it is fantastic to have ANZ’s support of the futureFERNS programme.

“We want our children to get the best possible introduction to Netball and encourage them to aim high.ANZ futureFERNS is designed to be great to participate in, great to contribute to, great to follow and great to enjoy as a spectacle,” she said.

ANZ’s Head of Sponsorship and Corporate Marketing, Susan McGregor said ANZ was delighted to continue their commitment to the advancement of Netball by providing a pathway from grassroots participation through to elite level and help junior Netballers aspire to achieve.

“As principal sponsor of the ANZ Championship since its inception in 2008, ANZ has helped to build the elite pathway for players to the international level,” she said.

“Now we are pleased to be working with NNZ to introduce ANZ futureFERNS, a new programme at the grassroots heart of the game.”

Poole said ANZ futureFERNS has a simple philosophy which will resonate with both children and parents who are looking to become involved in the game.

“The main aim for children is to have fun while learning basic Netball skills like passing, catching and pivoting. As the kids grow, the game grows which is fantastic,” said Poole.

ANZ futureFERNS is the culmination of years of research and development to create a programme for Year 1 – 8 children with a modified game of Netball, catering to the needs and abilities of children as they grow.

The programme progresses players’ through modified formats of Netball that recognises their stage of physical and mental development. The aim is not only to grow their Netball abilities but also to help with their overall physical and social advancement.

Most Netball Centres around the country are offering the new ANZ futureFERNS programme, and have full access to tools and resources through the ANZ futureFERNS website.

ENDS

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