Lea was a recipient of the ANZ Dream Delivery programme, receiving new uniforms and training gear for the Stonefields United Netball Club. Lea is an unsung hero within the Auckland netball community and deserving of recognition for her contribution to the sport. We sat down with Lea to talk about her involvement with the King’s College Netball Programme.
What was it like to receive the ANZ Dream Delivery award?
Lea Salt: I felt overwhelmed and surprised. It is a privilege to be acknowledged for the ongoing work that my team and I do in the community. It was a very humbling experience.
What drives your passion for community Netball?
LS: Everyone has the potential to achieve the success they desire. It’s people that drive my passion for community Netball. No one day is the same. Every day is a new chapter. I get the chance to work with families to help them stay active with their children. Community is what keeps us together as a family, which is why I love what I do. All children should be given the same opportunity to enjoy sport, irrespective of the financial position of their family. The skills they learn on the court will be something that they can carry through into their adult lives.
Tell us about the King’s Netball programme and your involvement in it?
LS: The programme is about building character, creating leaders and developing strong young women. We have been fortunate enough to have Physical Education teacher Wally Rifle helping us from the start. He has been instrumental in providing athlete development, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, recovery protocols and nutrition advice for our students. My philosophy has always been based on inclusion, allowing our girls to work together for the good of the sport and each other. Whanau is the platform for our player welfare and support systems, which were implemented to cater for the numbers coming into our programme.
What’s the best part about running Netball at King’s?
LS: Being able to work with the girls and receive support from parents. I’m grateful to our dedicated netball managers for all our teams, they make things look smooth off the court and behind the scenes. I’m also thankful for the supportive Head of Sport at King’s, Jim Potts, who helps drive our programme and passion, so that our girls are given opportunities.
Who are our rising stars in King’s Netball?
LS: All our King’s Netball girls have a strong work ethic and determination, which will allow them to excel. We are all about the team and the Whanau.
What would you say to anyone interested in trying Netball at King’s?
LS: We work hard, we play hard and there will be tears along the way. The reward in the end is resilience, friendship and sisterhood - that can only be forged through the sweat and tears together. This is what ties us together as a family and makes our girls remain in a strong community long after they graduate from King’s. This is what makes King’s Netball unique.
