Mid Canterbury Netball has adapted well to the challenges posed by Covid, however Centre Manager Erin Tasker says that partnering with the Council on a new Sports and Recreation Strategy will be vital for helping sports continue to operate and thrive in the Ashburton District.

“We create our own netball community, but we need to be linked to our wider community to embrace opportunities and pool resources," says Mrs Tasker. “A new strategy is important as we’re all in this together, and together we’re stronger.”

Mid Canterbury Netball is just one of the local groups who are working with the Council on the new draft strategy, which aims to support community wellbeing through ready access to sport and active recreation.

“Our netball community is large and diverse, and encompasses people from the age of five though to 105, whether it be playing, watching, officiating or volunteering,” says Mrs Tasker. “Sport and active recreation allows all people to make connections within the community.”

The previous strategy was adopted in 2010 and was largely focused on the construction of the EA Network Centre, which Mrs Tasker describes as a gamechanger for Mid Canterbury Netball.

“Prior to moving indoors we had six social teams and that doubled straight away to 12, and our Wednesday night social competition is now at capacity with 24 teams.”

To help develop the draft strategy, the Council is surveying local sports clubs and active recreation organisations to get an idea of the issues and opportunities they see ahead. The questions cover topics such as the availability of volunteers, ease of fundraising and the impacts of Covid.

Mrs Tasker says their current challenges include finding and retaining volunteers, and the need to keep sport affordable for players, however she also sees opportunities for growth.

“We are constantly adapting to meet the needs of our community and a celebration for us has been the introduction of walking netball and No Limits (people with a disability) netball. We’ve been really excited by their success and about what the future could bring.”

Groups have until this Friday to complete the survey online at surveymonkey.com/r/8FDPPGY

All residents will have their chance to take part once the draft Sport and Recreation Strategy is released for public feedback later this year.