Uniforms raise game at Taipa

SAFE CRACKERS: Taipa Area School netballers, Toria Walker at left and Zana Yates flank ANZ assistant manager Ngawaiata Stratton. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

Taipa Area School will have three netball teams taking the court next season thanks to an ANZ Netball Grant worth more than $3000.

The school's sports coordinator Rawinia Delamere said the grant, which included 30 dresses, balls and training equipment - means the school now has enough gear to kit out all of its netballers.

"Our players have so much heart. They have so much potential but the lack of uniforms and some really old gear has been letting them down. Two teams have had to play with other schools or clubs because we couldn't supply them with gear. This grant means all our players can play for Taipa Area School and the way they look will finally reflect their talent and drive - they'll be able to wear their uniforms with pride."

This year ANZ has awarded a total of $100,000 in netball grants to help clubs, schools, social teams and fans achieve their dreams. An assistant manager at the bank, Ngawaiata Stratton, said the programme was launched in 2012 to support fans and help netballers get to the next level in the game.

"Netball is one of the country's most popular sports with tens of thousands of players at schools, clubs and social teams across the country. It's about inspiring players to go further. This might involve kitting out a team with new gear or uniforms, helping players get to an ANZ Championship match to see the action up close this season, or even getting a few professionals to visit their school or club to host a training session which is bound to be a life-changing experience for some of our future netballing stars.

"The netballers at Taipa Area School have struggled with old, worn-out uniforms. The senior girls have been playing in ripped, ill-fitting tops and skirts while the juniors have had to play for other schools as there weren't enough uniforms to go around. We're really happy to be able to provide the school with 30 new dresses and hope all the netballers will represent Taipa Area School with pride on court next season."

Applications to the ANZ Netball Grant Scheme are now closed.