Netball, Action Sport, and Wallace Group Unite to Expand Community Engagements Across Africa

Netball Expansion: Community Hub Model Gains Traction Across Africa

Published: 2025-08-18 09:06:00

A collaborative effort is extending a successful grassroots netball program across the African continent, with meaningful early progress in Ivory Coast.The initiative aims to bolster participation and advancement in the sport, notably among young women.

World Netball expands its successful Community Sport Hub Site model to new African nations, starting with Ivory Coast. Learn how this initiative is boosting netball participation and empowering communities.">

From Zambia to a Continent: The Growth of Community Hubs

World Netball (WN), in partnership with Sport in Action and the Wallace Group, is scaling up its Community Sport Hub Site model, initially proven in Zambia, to several countries throughout Africa. The expansion marks a major step in the organization’s mission to develop netball at the grassroots level and foster inclusive sporting opportunities.

The Community Hub Site model originated as part of the legacy project following the 2019 Netball world Cup, known as Net2019. What began with just five Hub Sites in Zambia has now blossomed into a network of 49, directly supporting 263 netball teams. These hubs are empowering over 16,000 active participants,with a notable 53% depiction of women among the 350 coaches trained.

Each Hub site operates as a locally-driven center, providing sport-specific training, competitive opportunities, and youth development programs. The focus is on creating pathways for participation, especially for young women and girls, alongside fostering education, leadership skills, and social entrepreneurship opportunities.

Toolkit for Success: Empowering Communities

To facilitate wider adoption, the Wallace Group and Sport in Action have jointly developed a comprehensive Community Sport Hub Site Toolkit. This practical guide provides step-by-step instructions, equipping communities and leaders with the resources needed to establish and sustain their own Hub Sites. The toolkit simplifies the process, making it accessible to a broader range of stakeholders.

the WN Strategic Development Fund has been instrumental in driving the expansion, with initial efforts concentrated in Ivory Coast. In November 2024, WN Africa Regional Development Manager Joan Smit and International Sports Development Officer Jack Preston conducted intensive training for Ivorian netball leaders and coaches.

Ivory Coast Leads the Way: Early Results

The training program in Ivory Coast saw 57 participants receive Orientation Completion Certificates. Community outreach activities reached over 1,000 individuals, with trainees representing 13 different regions. The newly developed Hub Site toolkit is now serving as the guiding document for Ivorian Netball’s development and grassroots strategy.

Currently,11 sites across Ivory Coast are already operating under the Hub Site model,with several other African nations poised to follow suit. This rapid adoption highlights the program’s potential to transform netball development across the continent. According to a report by The United Nations, sport-based youth development programs have shown a 20% increase in school attendance rates.

Country	Number of Hub Sites (2024)	Active Participants	Female Coaches (%)
Zambia	49	16,000+	53%
Ivory Coast	11	1,000+ (reached through outreach)	Data Pending

Did You Know? Netball is one of the most popular female participation sports globally, with over 20 million players in more than 80 countries.

Pro Tip: Successful community sports hubs prioritize local ownership and sustainability, ensuring long-term impact.

The Importance of Grassroots Sports Development

Investing in grassroots sports development is crucial for several reasons. It promotes physical and mental health,builds community cohesion,and provides opportunities for personal growth.Initiatives like the Community Sport Hub model are particularly effective as they are tailored to the specific needs of each community, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability.

Furthermore, sports programs can play a significant role in empowering marginalized groups, such as young women and girls, providing them with opportunities to develop leadership skills and pursue their dreams. The World Bank highlights the link between sport and social inclusion, noting that participation in sports can lead to improved educational outcomes and economic opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Community Sport Hub Site? A Community Sport Hub Site is a locally-run center providing training, competition, and youth development opportunities in netball.
2. Where did the Community Sport hub model originate? The model was first launched in Zambia as part of the Net2019 legacy project following the 2019 Netball World Cup.
3. How many people are currently involved in the Hub Site program in Zambia? The program currently supports over 16,000 active participants and 350 trained coaches in Zambia.
4. What is the role of the Wallace Group and Sport in Action? They collaborated to develop a toolkit to help other communities establish their own Hub Sites.
5. What impact is the program having on women in sport? The program prioritizes inclusivity, with 53% of coaches trained being women.
6. Is the Hub Site model being replicated in other African countries? Yes, Ivory Coast is leading the way, with 11 sites already established and other countries expected to follow.
7. How can communities access the Hub Site toolkit? Information on accessing the toolkit can be found through World Netball and its partner organizations.

What are your thoughts on the impact of grassroots sports programs in your community? Share your experiences in the comments below!

How does the partnership between Netball, Action Sport, and the Wallace Group aim to utilize netball beyond just the sport itself?

A Tripartite partnership for Positive Change

A groundbreaking collaboration between Netball, Action Sport, and the Wallace group is set to considerably expand community engagement initiatives across the African continent. This partnership leverages the power of sport – specifically netball – to deliver impactful social programs focused on education, health, and leadership development. The initiative aims to reach underserved communities, empowering individuals and fostering enduring change. This isn’t just about playing netball; itS about using netball as a catalyst for broader societal benefits.

The Core Pillars of the Initiative

The collaboration is built around three key pillars, each designed to address specific needs within African communities:

Netball Development Programs: Expanding access to netball training and competition at the grassroots level. This includes providing equipment, coaching resources, and establishing local netball leagues. Focus will be on both male and female participation, challenging traditional gender roles in sport.

Education Through Sport: Integrating educational components into netball programs. This encompasses life skills workshops, literacy programs, and scholarship opportunities for promising young athletes. The aim is to improve educational attainment and create pathways to further education and employment.

Health and Wellbeing Initiatives: Utilizing netball as a platform to promote health awareness and positive lifestyle choices. This includes campaigns focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, nutrition education, and mental health support.

action Sport’s Role: Leveraging Sports-Based Youth Development

Action Sport brings its extensive experience in sports-based youth development to the table. Their methodology focuses on using the discipline and teamwork inherent in sports to instill valuable life skills.

Leadership Training: Action sport will deliver leadership training programs for young netball players, equipping them with the skills to become community leaders and role models.

Mentorship Programs: Connecting young athletes with mentors who can provide guidance and support,helping them navigate challenges and achieve their full potential.

Community Outreach: Action Sport will facilitate community outreach activities, engaging local stakeholders and ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.

The Wallace Group’s Contribution: Infrastructure and sustainability

The Wallace Group, a leading infrastructure and development firm, is providing crucial support in terms of infrastructure development and long-term sustainability.

Facility Development: The Wallace Group will oversee the construction and renovation of netball courts and sporting facilities in targeted communities. This includes ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

Resource Mobilization: Leveraging their network to secure funding and resources for the initiative, ensuring its financial viability.

Strategic Partnerships: Facilitating partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and private sector organizations to maximize impact and reach.

Geographic Focus and Initial Implementation

The initial phase of the partnership will focus on three key countries: Malawi, Zambia, and Ghana. These countries were selected based on their strong netball tradition, demonstrated need for community development programs, and supportive government policies.

Malawi: Building on the existing popularity of netball in Malawi, the initiative will focus on establishing regional netball academies and providing scholarships for talented players.

Zambia: Addressing the challenges of limited access to sporting facilities in Zambia, the Wallace Group will prioritize the construction of new netball courts and the renovation of existing ones.

Ghana: Integrating netball into school curricula in Ghana, promoting the sport as a tool for education and social inclusion.

Benefits of the Partnership: beyond the Court

The benefits of this collaboration extend far beyond the realm of sport.

empowerment of Women and Girls: Netball provides a platform for women and girls to develop leadership skills,build confidence,and challenge gender stereotypes.

Improved Health Outcomes: Promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles through netball can contribute to improved health outcomes and reduced rates of chronic disease.

economic Development: Creating employment opportunities in the sports sector and fostering entrepreneurship within local communities.

Social Cohesion: Bringing people together through sport can promote social cohesion and reduce conflict.

Case Study: Netball and Education in Malawi

Malawi has a long and proud history with netball. The partnership will build on this foundation by establishing a pilot program in Lilongwe, linking netball participation with educational attainment. Young players who maintain good grades will receive scholarships to continue their education, creating a powerful incentive to stay in school. this model, if successful, will be replicated in other regions of Malawi and across the continent.

Practical Tips for Community Involvement

interested in supporting this initiative? Here are a few ways to get involved:

1. Donate Equipment: Contribute netballs, cones, bibs, and other essential equipment to support netball programs in Africa.
2. Volunteer Your Time: Offer your skills and expertise as a coach, mentor, or administrator.
3. Fundraise: Organise fundraising events to raise money for the initiative