Netball is Life Hoodie

My name is Jade Groves, I am 12 years old and in year seven at Toorak College, Mt Eliza. 

I play or train for netball at least six times a week (and would do more if Mum and Dad let me). I love netball because it is amazing. I feel invincible when I play. It’s fun and challenging! Netball is life! When I grow up, I want to be a scientist and a netballer.

I did my major year six assignment on gender equality and focused on funding for women’s sport in Australia. In my research I have found that the level of funding for Netball and other female dominated sports in Australia is very low – less than 20% of the total sports funding pool and much lower than sports that have mainly male participants. Yet Netball is the number one female participation sport in Australia and the number three participation sport for all persons.

What this means is that girl’s participation in sport in lower socio-economic areas is low. I don’t think that’s fair! If parents can’t afford to pay the fees or buy the uniforms then so many girls miss out. Just because there is so much less funding for traditionally female sports than sports more boys participate in.

Sport makes us feel strong. It gives us friends and networks. It keeps us fit and healthy. I love all my netball friends. I have so much fun with them. They are a huge part of my life. I want all girls in Australia to have the opportunities to be part of that sort of network. To feel strong, invincible and healthy. I think we should all have those opportunities in whatever sports we choose (although clearly netball is the best sport). I think funding should be spread equally and fairly. Girls and boys should be treated equally. We are just as important!

I have designed these ‘Netball is Life’ t-shirts and hoodies myself. All profits will go to Netball Victoria’s Jean Cowan fund which assists underprivileged girls play netball. So far I have raised over $3,000 and I hope to raise $10,000. I was going to stop at the end of my assignment but I think girls really need my help.

The Netball is Life Hoodies and T-shirts are made to order. Please allow a minimum of 14 days for production before your order is shipped. We appreciate your patience and support to Netball is Life.

Size cm               12    14     16     S      M     L

Width                  52    55     57    59    61    63

Length                62     64     66    68    70    72

About the Jean Cowan Fund (from the Netball Victoria website)

It provides recipients with financial support to assist with the costs associated with participating in netball, including fees for uniforms, equipment, membership, and other relevant netball expenses. Your donation makes a valuable contribution to Netball Victoria’s commitment to make our game accessible to all Victorians and supports those facing financial hardship to continue participating in our sport