By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Future netball stars shine in Groblersdal as PEP mini Netball continues expanding grassroots sports development across South Africa. The coaching clinic empowered young athletes and local coaches with skills, mentorship, and opportunities aimed at growing the game and inspiring the next generation of women in sport. Photo Credit: Supplied
Young netball players and aspiring coaches in Groblersdal recently received a major boost as the PEP mini Netball programme hosted an impactful coaching session aimed at developing grassroots netball talent and expanding the sport’s reach across rural communities.
The session forms part of the programme’s continued expansion into new regions, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing young athletes, empowering coaches, and creating greater access to sport development opportunities for girls across South Africa.
The coaching clinic brought together educators, community coaches, and young players for a day focused on skills development, mentorship, and participation in one of the country’s fastest-growing women’s sports.
Growing the game from grassroots level
The PEP mini Netball initiative has become one of South Africa’s most recognised grassroots sports development programmes, introducing thousands of young girls to netball while also equipping teachers and volunteer coaches with essential training.
The Groblersdal session highlighted the programme’s mission of identifying and developing talent at community level, particularly in areas where access to structured sports development opportunities remains limited.
Participants were taken through a range of technical drills, game strategies, coaching methodologies, and player development exercises designed to improve both confidence and performance on the court.
The programme also places strong emphasis on leadership, teamwork, discipline, and building self-esteem among young participants.
Creating opportunities through sport
Community leaders and organisers praised the initiative for bringing structured sports development directly into local communities, where many young athletes often struggle to access facilities, professional coaching, and competitive platforms.
For many young girls attending the clinic, the event represented more than just a coaching session — it was an opportunity to dream bigger and gain exposure to pathways that could potentially lead to provincial and national representation.
The expansion into Limpopo reflects the growing demand for youth sports programmes that not only promote healthy lifestyles but also create meaningful opportunities for empowerment and social development.
Investing in future stars
The coaching session also focused heavily on empowering local educators and volunteer coaches, recognising their critical role in sustaining sports development at school and community level.
By equipping coaches with updated training methods and development tools, the programme aims to ensure long-term impact that extends well beyond a single event.
Organisers say expanding the programme into more communities remains a key priority as they continue to invest in the future of women’s sport in South Africa.
Building confidence on and off the court
Beyond the technical side of the game, the PEP mini Netball programme continues to play an important role in building confidence and encouraging participation among young girls who may otherwise have limited exposure to organised sport.
Parents and community members who attended the session welcomed the initiative, highlighting the positive influence sport can have in keeping young people active, focused, and motivated.
As the programme continues to grow its national footprint, the successful Groblersdal coaching clinic stands as another important milestone in strengthening grassroots netball development and inspiring the next generation of South African sporting talent.
