For Solomontown Netball Club, the real success is about more than just winning.
“We like winning, but our club measures success in the closeness and bonding that we have – this is just as important as premierships,” said A1 coach, president and club-co-ordinator Margie Brigden.
A relatively new club, reformed 12 years ago, Solomontown prides itself on ensuring all girls are given a chance to hit the court. “We give every girl a go and never turn anyone away,” said Vice-president, club co-ordinator and wardrobe mistress Colleen Hunt.
“We really try to keep that bond.”
Established as a result of the efforts of past Solomontown Football Club Presidents, Brenton Boothby and Terry Paynter, and the hard work of Margie Brigden and Colleen Hunt the club is now the biggest independent club in the association, (other than school based SM Celtic) with 19 teams and more than 170 players involved each week.
Consequently, both the football and netball clubs keep a close association, which allows that bond to be extended further. “Our A-grade football coaches have often given motivational talks to the girls, and this year we are looking forward to Bob Boston motivating our players, “ Margie Brigden said.
“We are marching on with club spirit – we boast a Player of the Year Philomena Longo, Runner-up Player of the Year Jackie Iley, Rising Star Abby Kendall, Team of the Year Janelle Scarman (many times) and the talented Jackie Iley – quite an achievement for a young club.
“You really have to work hard to keep a club together.”
“And the togetherness is evident throughout the grades.
“We have senior players who coach the junior players-six of our A1 players all coach – everyone knows each other at the club.”
Our treasurer and selector Kristina Mudge is a vital lifeline of our club, as is our Secretary Jo Stark and our A grade and Club Captain Janelle Scarman together with Captain of the reserves Lucy Crocker who both work tirelessly promoting our club. This year they are joined by Emma Thompson, Tanya Iley, Emily Gray, Karen Bourke, Jackie Iley and Crystelle Clarke on the social committee and Anna Johnson as umpire co-ordinator....and the list goes on.
Solomontown also likes to ensure the bond is extended off-court with regular functions such as discos, barbecues, bus trips and presentations.
While much of this success can be attributed to Margie and Colleen who both have more than 40 years experience in netball, they recognise that another key part of the club is parents and grandparents. “We have one nanna from Port Germein who continuously knits beautiful team scarves for all our senior and junior players,” Margie said.
“My work-mates nanna who lives in Port Adelaide has also knitted scarves for our entire A1 team.
“We have grandparents from near and far. We have mothers coming out of retirement and joining their daughters and playing within the club.
“They are so supportive – parents and grandparents are vital to the club.”
Despite the focus being shifted away from premierships, it still remains an important part of the game.
“This year is looking positive with an opening win for our A grade girls, and we appear to be on track throughout the grades” Margie said.
Whatever the case, it appears the future of netball at Solomontown is sound.
“We have many promising juniors on the netball scene at present,” said Colleen. “After all, as Margie notes, “if you haven’t got juniors, you haven’t got a netball club.”
PHOTO: BACKBONE OF THE SOLLY CLUB...Margie Brigden, Kristina Mudge and Colleen Hunt have been tireless workers for the club.
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