Woolworths continues to support grassroots netball in Australia

The Woolworths partnership with netball in Australia continues to support grassroots netball with the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants returning in 2023 - local netball clubs and associations across Australia who have a Woolworths NetSetGO centre are able to win a share of $100,000.

Netball Australia Chief Executive, Kelly Ryan advised “The Woolworths partnership brings so much to grassroots netball, and the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants have a huge, positive impact to the sport at the community level. The link with nutrition and sporting performance is an obvious one, and I do believe you are never too young to start good eating habits with fruit and vegetables an important part of anyone’s daily diet.”

It is more important than ever to ensure that children are not only living active lifestyles, but also accessing healthy food options to fuel their activity. New research from Woolworths has revealed that 93% of parents understand the importance of their children eating a variety of fruits or vegetables for their overall health. Over three-quarters give their children fruit before sport (76%) and nearly two-fifths opt for vegetables (39%).

The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants have been designed to help young Australian netballers eat healthier and be more active by providing clubs and associations with a Woolworths NetSetGO centre important funds to run programs and improve facilities and equipment. Since 2019, Woolworths has shown ongoing support for grassroots netball in conjunction with Netball Australia, having donated over $1.2 million to over 300 clubs.

Former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGO ambassador, Catherine Cox shares “having recently started coaching my seven year old daughter’s grassroots netball team, it’s incredible to see kids being social, active and having fun. Providing opportunities to help kids all over Australia participate in netball and develop healthier habits is so important, and the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants are helping clubs and associations achieve this.

“Woolworths’ partnership with Netball Australia highlights their incredible commitment and ongoing support to local communities by teaching kids the importance of healthy food choices and leading active lives.”

 This year, netball clubs and associations can be awarded a share of $100,000 of grants, and for the first time ever, are able to win a $20,000 grant thanks to the new ‘People’s Choice’. A winner will be chosen from the club or association that receives the most votes from the community, encouraging their local members and supporters involved in the voting process.

Andrew Hicks, Chief Marketing Officer of Woolworths enthused “we’re excited to be supporting the next generation of Australian netballers through our partnership with Netball Australia. Offering fresh fruit for kids can help them play at their best, supporting an active lifestyle while learning the fundamentals of this iconic team sport.

"Whether it’s refuelling between quarters with freshly cut oranges or replenishing energy with bananas post-game, we want to help inspire current and future young athletes to pick fresh and play fresh this season.”

Clubs and associations with a Woolworths NetSetGO centre across the country are encouraged to apply via the website,  with applications now open until 18th June 2023.