Association winter comp kicks off with flair

By Owen Sinclair

May 6, 2025

The Cobram and District Junior Netball Association has breathed life back into local netball with the launch of its winter competition.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

An assembly of proud parents and their children graced the courts at Apex Park on Wednesday, April 30, to mark the beginning of the season.

Association vice-president Tanya Sarakian said it was a great start to the competition.

“We’re excited. We’ve got five teams in under-13s, four in under-11s, and three in under-9s,” she said.

At least 100 players have signed up to play across the three age groups, surpassing organisers’ expectations for the recently rejuvenated league.

“Considering it’s a new thing, we’re really happy with the numbers that we’ve got,” Sarakian said.

With the 2025 seasons for the Murray Football Netball League and Picola and District Football Netball League well under way, the association’s winter competition aims to give young netballers another chance to get around their code.

“There’s no discrimination,” Sarakian said.

“Everyone can play. I know a lot of teams in the area have to run trials to be able to give the girls a go on the netball court. But with the association, the girls can still be involved and play netball.”

Ivy Kelly, 9, delivers a linking pass to her team-mate. Photo by Owen Sinclair

Proud parents Shaun Downie and Brogan Brooks watched their daughter take to the courts that afternoon.

“I think it’s filling a big gap within the community,” Mrs Brooks said.

“I think it’s great, given the surplus of numbers in our region, that girls have the opportunity to play sports and enjoy it. I think it’s a great concept.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Mr Downie.

“Sport’s one of the nicest ways for kids to get involved in a team environment, and I think that takes them a long way in life. So the fact they’ve got this up and running is absolutely hats off to everyone,” he said.