Club launches development programme

Santa Rosa Netball Club has officially launched its professional development training programme as the club continues strengthening its standards both on and off the court.

The initiative is designed to sharpen player communication, leadership, professionalism, media engagement, and teamwork while reinforcing the important role the sport of netball continues to play across Northern California and the wider United States.

The club stated that these professional development trainings come at a defining time as club prepares for upcoming local competitions, national tournaments and international test match opportunities.

The club reaffirmed that representing the jersey goes beyond athletic ability alone, emphasising discipline, accountability, respect, teamwork, family values, strong leadership, and community representation as core pillars of the organisation.

The trainings also focus on ensuring players carry themselves with confidence, professionalism, and pride while serving as ambassadors for the growing momentum of netball throughout California and the greater American sporting landscape.

Adi Anaisi Naevo, originally from Nawaka with maternal links to Levukanana, Vanuabalavu, in Lau, described the training as impactful and timely.

“The passion for netball goes far beyond the court. This professional development programme could not have come at a better time. The training has helped strengthen my confidence, understanding, and appreciation for what this club stands for both in sport and in the community,” she said.

The club further emphasised that while the sport continues gaining momentum throughout California and parts of the United States, netball is still seeking broader recognition, stronger institutional support, and long-term infrastructure investment to ensure the sustainability and future growth of the sport.

The club also reaffirmed the importance of proper netball court facilities across Northern California, noting that quality sporting infrastructure will play a major role in creating opportunities for youth engagement, healthy lifestyles, regional competitions, and future international tournaments and test matches in the years ahead.

The club highlighted that investing in sporting infrastructure is not only an investment into athletes, but also into families, communities, cultural unity, tourism, and future economic opportunities linked to sporting events and Pacific community engagement.

The club acknowledged the continued support of the Fijian diaspora, Pacific Island communities, families, supporters, and partners who continue helping push the sport to greater heights across the United States.