Young Newcastle Girls Take Centre Court at PEP Netball Festival

By Thembi Moyo

Young girls from Newcastle had a day to remember when Arbor Park Primary hosted a PEP mini Netball Festival on 15 August, bringing together young players for a day filled with sport, friendship and plenty of fun.The festival formed part of PEP’s nationwide mini Netball programme, which continues to use sport as a platform to create opportunities for young girls at grassroots level.

With netball at the centre of the day, the young players were given an opportunity to put their skills into practice through friendly matches while learning important lessons about teamwork, discipline and confidence.The atmosphere was made even more lively by the appearance of PEP mascots, who interacted with the children and took part in activities designed to keep the young players entertained between matches.

For many of the girls, the festival was about more than winning or losing. It provided a chance to play alongside their peers, make new friends and experience the excitement of being part of a sporting community. The event also came at an important time, with South Africa marking Women’s Month throughout August. By creating spaces where young girls can participate in sport, initiatives such as the PEP mini Netball Festival help reinforce the message that girls should have the confidence and support to pursue their ambitions.

Sport can play an important role in building these qualities from an early age. Through participation, young players learn how to work with others, handle challenges, communicate and take responsibility – skills that extend well beyond the netball court.PEP’s continued investment in grassroots netball is also helping to broaden access to the sport, particularly for young players who may not otherwise have regular opportunities to participate in organised sporting activities.

The Newcastle festival was therefore not simply a day of matches. It was an opportunity for young girls to discover their abilities, enjoy themselves and see what is possible when they are given a chance to participate. As the nationwide PEP mini Netball programme continues, festivals like this are helping to nurture a new generation of young players while strengthening the foundations of women’s sport from the grassroots up.

For the girls who took to the court at Arbor Park Primary, the biggest win may have been the confidence gained, friendships made and memories created on a day dedicated to sport and empowerment.