Crowded Bayside Council gallery hears 1300-plus petition calling for level playing field for netballers

YOUNG netballers and their parents packed a council gallery in Melbourne’s inner south last night to push for their goal of more courts.

Poppy, Sophie, Emily, Georgia, Lauren and Karina are among the hundreds of netballers frustrated by a lack of courts. Picture: Paul Loughnan

YOUNG netballers and their parents packed Bayside Council’s gallery last night to push for their goal of more courts.

Close to 100 people, many there to hear a 1300-plus signature petition calling for more facilities, packed the Brighton meeting.

There is a huge lack of netball courts in Bayside for players, mainly young girls, to play on.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Is women’s sport a poor relation in your area? Tell us below.

One hundred and ninety Sandringham District League players have a forced bye every week due to a lack of courts, coaches and funding.

There is only one dedicated site, in Thomas St, Hampton, with hundreds of players forced to sit out matches, or play shortened games every weekend.

Netballers at the Hampton court often have to warm up in the dirt because of overcrowding. Picture: Chris Eastman

The council is considering expanding into the neighbouring Glamis Avenue athletics venue, but this could mean athletes would likely move to Dendy Park in a combined upgraded centre for running and track sports.

The petition, with more than 1300 signatures, called for “enough compliant netball courts and building infrastructure to manage our local netball association, allowing us to address the unmet needs of our growing netball community”.

Melbourne Vixens netball star Kate Moloney talks about importance of grassroots sport

Female netball players miss out due to poor quality courts in Bayside

Bayside Leader’s The Grass Ceiling campaign calls on better facilities for girls and women in sport

It also demanded “compatible facilities for netball as is provided for other sports, such as football, soccer, cricket and golf in the Bayside municipality”.

Councillor Felicity Frederico said they recognised there was a deficit in the number of courts required and are working with all stakeholders.

“There are more golf courses, including driving ranges, than there are netball courts in Bayside,” Cr Frederico said.

“We don’t want netball prioritised over other sports in Bayside, but we do want a level playing field.”

The petition was received and a report will be submitted at a future meeting following the October council elections.

The lack of space causes hundreds of players to miss out on a game every week. Picture: Chris Eastman

Councillor Bruce Lowe said it was well known there was a large need for additional courts, and the upcoming report “was not before time”.

Leader Community News’ Grass Ceiling campaign is lobbying for more funding and recognition in women’s community sport, which lacks sufficient change rooms, training grounds, competition courts, and money for coaches, uniforms and equipment.

We want more funding from federal, state and local governments, with cash specifically targeted for women’s teams, sports and pavilion improvements, and more sponsorship and community support.

We are also advocating for a cultural shift within mixed clubs, so women’s teams are seen and treated as just as important.

Read more about the Grass Ceiling campaign at http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/campaigns

Do you know a team or player who should be celebrated for their achievements? Message us at https://www.facebook.com/BaysideLeader/