Australian Diamond netballer Madi Browne and local policewomen hit the court with 16 girls from Surf Coast Secondary College on Wednesday.
The officers and netballer joined forces with the year 9 and 10 students at Wurdi Baierr Stadium, Torquay, as part of the Girl in Charge program.
The nine-week program aims to cultivate the students’ love for netball while fostering a positive self-image and working towards a healthy goal.
Alongside personal development sessions on public speaking, nutrition and motivation, the students will each work to attain a netball umpiring qualification.
Browne will also share her expertise through a wellbeing course on “hustle and focus” as one of the program’s guest speakers.
Sergeant Kylie Power and Detective Senior Constable Kylie Roberts developed the Girl in Charge program in consultation with the Surf Coast Secondary College leadership team.
“The Girl in Charge program aims to engage with teenage girls and provide them with the necessary tools to increase self-esteem and become leaders both on and off the courts,” Sergeant Power said.
“Being so passionate about netball ourselves, we’ve seen first-hand just how much of a positive impact sport-driven mentorship can have on young girls,” Detective Senior Constable Roberts said.
“Girl in Charge would not have been possible without the support of Surf Coast Secondary College and generous local sponsors including the Surf Coast Suns Netball Club.”
