SVGNA Takes Netball to Children as Young as Four 

By S.Browne. Updated 2:44 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Children as young as four are being introduced to netball, teamwork and basic sporting skills as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) expands its grassroots development work into communities.

The association officially launched its Game Changers Netball Grassroot Development Programme on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Fancy Hardcourt, bringing together male and female children between the ages of four and 14, along with administrators and members of the community.

The four-month development initiative is designed not only to introduce young children to netball, but also to strengthen the wider pool of people involved in the sport.

During the opening session, young participants were introduced to basic netball skills and teamwork, while administrators took part in an educational session on the Rules of Netball.

The session was facilitated by Moeth Gaymes, Chair of the SVGNA Umpires and Technical Officials Committee and an International Umpire Awardee.

Safeguarding and Safe Sport will also form part of the programme, with participants being encouraged to understand the importance of creating sporting environments that are safe, respectful and supportive of children and other participants.

The SVGNA said the initiative is focused on more than developing players.

“The initiative focuses on the development of athletes, coaches, umpires and administrators, while promoting teamwork, discipline, leadership, safeguarding, Safe Sport and a greater understanding of the game.”

The programme is being delivered in North Windward, with Saturday sessions running from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Fancy and Chilli Hardcourts.

Sessions at Fancy are scheduled for August 15 to September 12, 2026, and December 5 to 19, 2026, while Chilli Hardcourt in Georgetown will host sessions from September 19 to October 10, 2026, and October 31 to November 28, 2026.

The programme is supported by the Commonwealth Games Committee through the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee.

Among those attending the launch were Parliamentary Representative for North Windward Shevern John, Vice President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee and Chair of its Safeguarding/Safe Sport Commission Shimano Bailey, General Secretary Keith Joseph, members of the SVGNA Executive and other resource persons.

While the Game Changers programme is a new initiative, the SVGNA’s focus on grassroots and youth development is not new.

The association has previously identified grassroots and community netball as part of its wider development plans, with youth development remaining an important component of its work.

The current programme builds on that focus by creating opportunities for children to encounter the sport at an early age, while also developing the coaches, umpires and administrators needed to support its continued growth.

The SVGNA said its grassroots work will continue in partnership with community groups.

“The SVGNA will continue this grassroots development work in conjunction with community groups, creating greater opportunities for young people and strengthening the capacity of those involved in the administration and development of netball throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

For the youngest participants, the programme offers an early introduction to a sport with a long history in St Vincent and the Grenadines. For the association, it forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the foundation for the future development of Vincentian netball.

The association has expressed appreciation to the Commonwealth Games Committee, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee, Acado, community representatives, resource persons, parents and participants who contributed to the successful launch of the programme.

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