Formed under the umbrella of the Australian Government’s sport for development program Team Up, One Netball is a powerful collaboration of Netball Australia, ChildFund Australia and the Tonga Netball Association.
The program involves two distinct components that complement each other to support Tongan communities to realise their full potential through netball.
The first component is the continuation and expansion of Tonga Netball Association’s popular netball development activities which will enable Tongan communities to experience lifelong enjoyment, social inclusion and improved physical health through netball.
The second component, the Fakatoukatea program, is an integrated netball and like skills program that provides a safe, inclusive and structured learning environment designed to equip children and young people to overcome challenges, develop peer support networks and drive change to promote gender equality and the elimination of violence in their communities.
The Fakatoukatea program is based on ChildFund’s award-winning, evidenced-based Sport for Development model, which has been adapted specifically for the Tongan context.
According to Netball Australia’s Executive General Manager of Community and Market Development, Melonie Lowe, netball is a powerful force in creating connections and providing women, in particular, with a safe environment to develop leadership and other important skills.
“The impact of sport on physical and mental health is well known,” Ms Lowe said. “What this program also delivers is a comprehensive education program that provides critical life skills to Tongan women and girls.”
ChildFund Sport for Development Director, Chris Mastaglio, said: "ChildFund Sport for Development is excited to be working with netball partners in Australia and Tonga to both grow the sport and to support a network of community-based netball and life skills Coaches that will create positive social change in their communities.’’
Tonga Netball Association CEO Mrs Sālote Sisifa said: “It’s a very exciting time for Tonga Netball as we continue to grow and develop under the guidance and assistance of Netball Australia. Now with new partnerships, we look forward to further spreading netball’s wings in Tonga reaching one and all. Malo Australia (Thank you Australia).”
One Netball Tonga is aimed at children as young as six through to young adults up to the age of 25. It is also designed to benefit government ministry staff.
One Netball Tonga program will be a joint funding program and is a key element of Indo Pacific programs designed to use the power of sport to build relationships and collaboration between nations.
The program was officially launched on Friday, 5 March 2021 at 11:00am (Tonga time) in the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
