Kiama Netball Association (KNA) is leading the way in NSW netball with the launch of a new Youth Advisory Group, designed to embed young people directly into governance and decision-making at a local association level.

The Youth Advisory Group is a nine-month role, running from April to December 2026, and is open to young people aged 12 to 18. The initiative aims to provide meaningful leadership opportunities and a genuine platform for young members to contribute to the future of netball in Kiama.

KNA President Michelle Gregory said the program reflects the association’s commitment to listening to young voices and investing in the next generation of leaders.

“Our young people have incredible insight, energy and ideas,” Gregory said.

“This group gives them a genuine seat at the table while helping them grow as leaders within netball and the wider community.”

The initiative has been driven by long-time Kiama Netball volunteer Natalie Allan, who is also a coach and parent of two daughters playing club and representative netball.

“We have a lot of committed volunteers, but we also have an ageing committee,” Allan said.

“At the same time, we’ve got a group of young people who are really passionate about netball and want to be involved in more ways than just playing.”

Allan said her interest in developing the group was influenced by her daughter Molly’s involvement in the inaugural Netball NSW Youth Advisory Group in 2025.

“It’s been a fantastic experience for her,” Allan said.

“She’s had the chance to contribute as a regional netballer and share her perspective as both a player and a young coach.”

Molly said the experience showed her the value of youth participation in leadership roles.

“Being part of the Netball NSW Youth Advisory Group showed me how much young people can contribute,” she said.

“I’m excited to help bring the same experience to Kiama so players here can help shape the future of netball locally.”

The idea was initially proposed as a club-level youth committee before being taken to the Kiama Netball Association. All six affiliated clubs supported the concept, agreeing it should be implemented at an association-wide level.

“We realised pretty quickly this was bigger than one club,” Allan said.

“Having all six clubs on board showed there was a real appetite to give young people a seat at the table.”

The Kiama Lions Club has provided KNA with $500 in seed funding. Photo: Netball NSW

The Youth Advisory Group will provide participants with exposure to governance, decision-making and community engagement, while allowing the association to benefit from fresh perspectives and new ideas.

To support the establishment of the group, Kiama Netball has drawn on its strong relationship with the Kiama Lions Club, which has provided $500 in seed funding.

Young people interested in applying for the Kiama Netball Association Youth Advisory Group can do so via the online application form: https://forms.gle/H2XZhk51zsiH5T5J8.