🌅 Twilight & Summer Netball: Keeping the Game Fun and Flexible Summer and twilight netball leagues are growing in popularity across Mainland, offering a more relaxed and social way to stay active. These formats often feature shorter games, mixed teams, and flexible rules, making them ideal for players of all ages and skill levels. Netball NZ’s Participation Strategy highlights the importance of providing netball experiences that suit diverse communities and seasonal preferences. Twilight netball, in particular, supports this by offering inclusive, low-pressure environments that promote enjoyment, connection, and physical literacy. These leagues also align with the Balance is Better philosophy, which encourages less formal, play-to-play experiences that help reduce burnout and increase long-term engagement. Players report feeling more connected and confident when they can participate in fun, flexible formats that prioritise enjoyment over competition.

🎯 Goal Setting for 2026: Plan with Purpose. The offseason is a strategic time to reflect and set goals for the year ahead. Whether you're aiming to improve fitness, develop leadership, or make a representative team, consider setting: Process Goals – Daily habits like hydration, sleep, or skill drills. Performance Goals, Targets like improving speed or shooting accuracy. Outcome Goals, Aspirations, such as selection for a squad or winning a tournament. Balance is Better encourages goal setting that aligns with personal development rather than early specialisation or pressure to win.

🧠 Mental Health Awareness Week: Top Up Together Next week (6–12 October) is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is Top Up Together. It’s a call to connect with others and embrace the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect / Me Whakawhanaunga Give / Tukua Be Active / Me Kori Tonu Take Notice / Me Aro Tonu Keep Learning / Me Ako Tonu

These simple actions can make a big difference in how we feel and function, especially during seasonal transitions. Whether it’s a team BBQ, a walk with friends, or learning a new skill, topping up together builds stronger communities and healthier minds. Let’s make this offseason count. Try something new, set your sights on 2026, and remember that wellbeing is a team sport. Together, we can build a stronger, more balanced sporting future.

Article added: Wednesday 01 October 2025