I don’t remember why I so desperately wanted to play netball as a child. Maybe it was watching the state women’s teams play on the ABC with my Nan on a Saturday afternoon, or maybe it was because my best friend had moved schools and I was a bit lonely. But I couldn’t go past it.
My mum wasn’t so keen. She thought it would be too competitive and expensive and time-consuming. But I persevered and eventually convinced her to let me check out the local team.
In the end, I wasn’t the only one in the family who got into it. Mum loved to watch us play, and became our team photographer, darting around the outside of the court, catching all the action.
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I wish my own netball experiences had been as positive.
As much as I loved being a part of a team, having fun and trying my hardest, there was enough negative culture in the game that I grew to hate it.
Some people never quite grow out of that schoolyard mentality. They used the game to have their little power trips: from the sneaky elbow to the ribs on the court, to parent coaches deciding who get to play and who wins player of the match/encouragement based on who's in their friend circle rather than actual gameplay.
I tried to play again later as an adult. Not only were some people STILL stuck in that mindset, but my body was not up for the challenge.
I had some great times, including out club's annual car rallies and presentation night discos, but I've lost any passion I had for the game itself.