This year, NetballSmart continued to play a pivotal role in supporting player welfare and performance across the Waikato Bay of Plenty Zone.

Through targeted workshops, coach, umpire and player education, and community engagement, we focused on enhancing movement competency, reducing injury risk, and promoting long-term athletic development. Our initiatives emphasized the revamped warm up, strength and conditioning principles, and player-led approaches to ensure athletes have the tools to express their unique style while staying safe on court.

In 2025, we delivered 20 coach and umpire workshops and 13 Smart Player/Smart Health workshops alongside over 70 mass warm-ups and 55 specific warm-up upskill sessions across the Zone. These activations engaged over 1750 players and 350 coaches both in person and online, reinforcing messaging and principles of NetballSmart.

By prioritizing education and practical resources, we’ve strengthened the foundation for sustainable performance and wellbeing, ensuring WBOP players, umpires and coaches are equipped for success both now and in the future.

We look forward to another awesome year of NetballSmart across the Zone. Bring on 2026!

Article by Samantha Winders, WBOP Zone NetballSmart Development Officer
Article added: Friday 12 December 2025