Major celebration for Narrikup Netball Club as they mark 50 years since forming in the small townsite

From what started out as two teams and a court that was lined on an old tennis court, Narrikup Netball Club has grown to a fully fledged club which is this year celebrating 50 years. The club originated in Narrikup in 1971, where neighbours Beryl Determes and Glenys Steel helped form two teams despite there being just five houses in the small town. There are now 16 teams competing in Narrikup’s red and black colours in the Albany Netball Association. Last year Narrikup won the A1 and A2 premierships and they currently have two teams competing in the top division, and after eight rounds they sit in first and second on the ladder. The club is holding a 50-year celebration at the end of its 2021 season, with all past and current players and members invited to attend on September 19. Life member and co-founder of the club Beryl Determes said it had been a wonderful 50 years. “Janine my daughter came from school in Mt Barker and said she played this sport with a round ball and loved it,” Beryl said. “I was a netball player years ago in South Australia and there was nothing for sport for kids in Narrikup they had to go to Mt Barker. “Glenys and I decided to get a couple of teams together, we slowly grew from there and went on to win the A1 premiership. “Glenys and I lined the first netball court out there, we painted the lines and one of the farmers made a couple of poles for us that they dragged in by a tractor. “From there we raised money for facilities, like toilets, at the old site.” Determes said the club had been a breeding ground for talented players and coaches. “When we shifted into town we kept the Narrikup name and initially adopted Flinders Park Primary School,” she said. “Originally it was just kids from Narrikup and surrounding farm towns but now the club is open to anyone that wants to play. “We pride ourselves on being a development club and if you are good enough you are promoted, regardless of your age. “We had some go up and play State league and coach all over WA.” The club has had a number of winners of the Michelle Parsons award as the A1 best and fairest player in recent years, including Kristie Slater, Darcy Kerr, Sophie Ashford, Cherie Determes and Sharni Bracknell. Determes along with Steel and Pat O’Farrell attend Narrikup games every Saturday and say the club is very strong. “Glenys helps out with grading,” Determes said. “Pat was a president in the early years and I coached until I was 80. “The club absolutely can go on for years to come because we have strong principals. The kids are taught to think for themselves but do it for the team.” Narrikup have won A1 titles in 2002, 2011, 2012 and 2020. Current president Tanya McLennan said it was fantastic to reach the milestone. “We have a strong committee and lots of willing volunteers that help out,” she said. “In our B and D-grade we are quite strong and we have been developing coaches. “There is a strong sense of belonging for all of the kids and those young ones that start in Year 3 or 4 and played for Narrikup for however many years, they are now in A1.” The function will be held at Narrikup oval from 11am-4.30pm on September 19 and all past and current players and volunteers are welcome to attend. For more information contact Jorja Camp on 0458 482 110.