The Grasshoppers Netball Club recently hosted its inaugural community outreach event, organizing a rubbish pick-up drive between Muanikau Park and Stella Marist Primary School. This initiative gathered young players, their families, and club leaders who collectively aimed to clean the area while raising awareness about environmental conservation.
According to club secretary Unaisi Ranavue, the clean-up was not only about beautifying the neighborhood but also about fostering community pride and responsibility. She emphasized that the outreach activities align with the club’s mission to cultivate confident and responsible young women. Notably, she stated, “At Grasshoppers Netball Club, we are not just developing netball players; we are raising strong, responsible, and socially aware young women.”
The Suva-based club, which has seen substantial growth, is committed to supporting the mental, spiritual, and social development of girls, many of whom are in primary and early secondary school. To ensure balance between academics and sports, they offer additional classes for Year 8 girls.
The rubbish pick-up event is just the beginning, as the club has plans for further community projects intended to instill values of environmental stewardship and public service among their young players. Club founder and head coach Alumeci Sachs expressed their broader goals of empowerment, stating, “Our aim is to keep our girls engaged, educated, and empowered. Netball is the medium, but the mission is to build better citizens.”
Looking ahead, the club has exciting plans including participation in the Queensland Nissan State Age Championship in Brisbane and a mangrove planting activity in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry scheduled for June 7. Additionally, they will conduct workshops on career advice, health education, and gender equality, further contributing to the wholesome development of their members.
The Grasshoppers’ involvement in community services not only enhances their public image but also provides a model for how sports clubs can contribute to local environments and inspire a sense of responsibility among youth. This hopeful and positive initiative underscores the importance of community engagement in creating lasting change.
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