The Andrews Labor Government is teaming up with Netball Victoria to teach sporting and life skills to young people, with $150,000 in funding through the Sports Alliance.

Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins launched the Community Action Netball Project at Kensington YMCA  – which will work with children aged 12 to 17 at risk of contact with the criminal justice system in the Kensington and Shepparton areas.

Combining netball skills training with personal development sessions, the program is designed to help young people build self-confidence and resilience, learn about teamwork and leadership, and support their health and mental wellbeing.

The project, which is backed by an additional $15,000 from Netball Victoria, also aims to help young people with further opportunities to play netball through connections with local clubs.

The Sports Alliance is a community crime prevention partnership to harness the power of sport to address the causes of offending and build safer, more connected Victorian communities.

The Labor Government invested $1.4 million in 2020-21 for the Sports Alliance to support young people during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Other Sports Alliance partnerships have been formed with the AFL, Football Victoria, Melbourne Storm and Basketball Victoria, and a Sports Academy within Victoria’s youth justice centres is also being established.

Learn more at Community Crime Prevention Victoria about other initiatives to help create a safer Victoria, including other Sports Alliance projects.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“Team sports are about more than just physical activity. They can foster skills such as leadership, self-confidence and teamwork, all whilst having fun.

“We know that participation in sport like netball can help young people turn their lives around. This Netball Victoria project is a great way to remind them that they belong and provide them an opportunity to make friends whilst developing life skills to help bring out their best.”