The SPAR Proteas held a successful netball clinic in Mbombela, where the players reached out to young netball players in the region. Over 200 young learners attended the clinic and were thrilled to meet their heroes.

The clinic, organised and sponsored by SPAR Lowveld, allowed the team to engage with young netball players keen to learn more about the game. SPAR Proteas Head coach, Jenny van Dyk, took the opportunity to meet up with coaches in the area to give them some tips about coaching and mentoring young players.

The SPAR Proteas players included captain KC Chawane who is a Mpumalanga resident from Bushbuckridge. “It was such a pleasure to return to my home area and give something back to the community that raised me. I was impressed by the enthusiasm and talent on offer.”

Chawane was joined by fellow team members Kamogelo Maseko and Tarle Mathe. The SPAR Proteas signed autographs and held a meet and greet session with each school and took photos with the learners.

Stella Adams, SPAR Lowveld marketing Director was overjoyed with how the day played out. “It’s our first and wont be our last netball clinic with the SPAR Proteas. We grateful for our national pride travelling to Mbombela and sharing their skills with our learners and coaches. This clinic showed how essential netball is for our communities and SPAR is all about servicing the community that support us so all in all it was a resounding success.”

SPAR National PR, Sponsorship and Communications Manager Mpudi Maubane said the clinics were in line with SPAR’s commitment to community development.

“SPAR has been involved with netball since 2000 and we want to develop the game at all levels, from the grassroots to the national team,” said Maubane.

“Netball is the biggest woman’s sport in South Africa and clinics like this help to spread the game in all areas. They also offer an opportunity to make people aware of SPAR’s campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty.  The young girls attending the clinics were informed about both campaigns and about where to seek help,” she said.

“Coach Jenny van Dyk is also helping to spread the game by giving coaches in the region advice about coaching. She is a very experienced coach, who has risen through the ranks and coaches in Mpumalanga will benefit from her experience. This is in line with SPAR’s commitment to empowering local communities.”