They have been doing it for themselves, by themselves, but the reality is that the poor state of the facilities that they use in preparation for games is preventing a group of young women in Barrydale from reaching their full potential.
It is a well known fact that there are more netball players in Africa than the number of soccer or rugby players, yet far less is done to help their cause.
Obtaining sponsorship in sport has historically been a far more daunting task for women in a patriarchal society, but this is where the newly established Barrydale Netball Club has an ace up their sleeve.
There is a euphoric feeling after playing together as a team and having a good time. Then there is also knowing that we are part of something bigger
Under the guidance of their new chairperson, Chantelle Spangenberg, the club has already taken great strides to improve their often frustrating circumstances
They have applied to the National Lottery for funding to resurface their almost forgotten netball courts and somehow manage to scrape together the funds needed to compete in far away towns every other weekend.
Hard work starting to pay-off
In just a few short months, Spangenberg can already see the positive effects the sport is having on some of the players in the two teams.
“Barrydale Netball Club is a platform that encourages individual development and character building amongst the just over 20 young women who have joined,” Spangenberg explained.
“Apart from the benefits of physical fitness, team sport also teaches teamwork, problem solving and generally improves self-esteem and reduces stress.”
And if the dilapidated state of the netball court these young ladies use as their training ground is not worrisome enough, they also have to clear copious amounts of rubbish and other potentially harmful items before they can get down to business.
“Before we can even think of practicing, we first have to ensure that all the broken glass, rubbish and other hazards are removed from the court,” she explained.
A bright future for a group of women
However, Spangenberg who was simply looking to pursue one of her favourite past times after she had left the big smoke of Cape Town for a simpler life, this journey is proving to be far more rewarding than she initially thought it would be.
“There is a euphoric feeling after playing together as a team and having a good time. Then there is also knowing that we are part of something bigger.”
Barrydale Netball Club entered the second league of Overberg Netball Federation and although they will not have the advantage hosting other teams in Barrydale this year, they are making the best of a tricky situation.
Apart from the new practice surface that will hopefully be built in time, the players will make good use of new kit, training gear and most of all, the continued support of their friends and families.
Any business or institution that would like to support this team can phone Chantelle Spangenberg on 072 877 7784.
