The South Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (SAMMNA) are delighted to unveil its strategic plan for 2024-2028. This new strategy is centred around four pillars—Build, Inspire, Evolve and Lead—aimed at fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment that will drive growth, raise awareness and establish a solid foundation to see boys, men’s and mixed netball not only develop but thrive in the years to come.  

Historically, SAMMNA has been the key driver in providing opportunities for male and mixed-gender participation in netball across South Australia. Recognising the unique challenges and untapped potential in men’s and mixed netball, SAMMNA has developed a forward-looking strategy that champions inclusivity, elevates players and strengthens community engagement. Each of the four key pillars—Build, Inspire, Evolve and Lead— reflect SAMMNA’s vision and underscore its commitment to structured and sustainable growth. 

In an exciting development announced in late October 2024, SAMMNA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Netball South Australia, which formalises a collaborative approach to achieving these goals. This partnership will provide SAMMNA with broader resources and support from Netball South Australia, allowing both organisations to work together toward shared objectives. Through this MOU, SAMMNA and Netball South Australia will collaborate to amplify awareness of boys, men’s and mixed netball and establish sustainable practices that ensure the sport’s future. 

The partnership includes a shared commitment to foster inclusivity and increase opportunities at all levels of netball, from grassroots to high performance. It also aims to promote safe, welcoming environments across competitions, allowing SAMMNA to leverage Netball SA’s resources to improve program delivery, community outreach and volunteer support. Through this strengthened relationship, SAMMNA and Netball South Australia are set to make a powerful impact, enhancing netball as a sport for all in South Australia.  

Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Culture
The Build pillar of SAMMNA’s strategy centres around creating a welcoming an inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and embraced. SAMMNA’s competitions will prioritise safety, fairness and respect, encouraging participation from everyone, regardless of gender, age or background. With this focus, SAMMNA aims to foster a sense of community that goes beyond competition, where players, volunteers, and supporters can connect and grow in a space that values everyone. 

“At SAMMNA, we believe inclusivity and respect are the foundations of a successful community. Our Build pillar ensures that we continue to be an association where all feel welcomed and encouraged to participate in the sport we love—netball,” said Lisa Wilson, SAMMNA Chair. 

Inspiring the Next Generation
The Inspire pillar is dedicated to developing future netball stars and establishing high-performance pathways. SAMMNA is committed to providing structured opportunities for boys and men to develop their skills, reach their full potential and pursue netball at the highest levels. Through initiatives such as the SAMMNA Super League, which was launched in 2023, which allows male athletes to compete at a state league level, SAMMNA is expanding pathways in men’s netball.  

“We’ve seen tremendous growth since the SAMMNA Super League was introduced,” said Alexa Austin, Director of Pre-Elite Competitions. “We’re grateful to the six clubs—Contax, Garville, Matrics, Oakdale, South Adelaide and Tango—for their dedication to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of male athletes.” 

This league, alongside SAMMNA’s junior development clinics, academies and domestic competitions, supports athletes at every level—from beginners to those aiming to represent the Southern Dragons (South Australian Men's and Mixed State Squad) and pursue national representation. 

SAMMNA’s commitment to mixed netball also remains strong, with a focus on creating pathways for female athletes through domestic competitions and opportunities to represent the Southern Dragons, leading to potential national representation. The Inspire pillar not only aims to develop elite athletes but also encourages the next generation to embrace netball as a lifelong passion.  

"Our mission centres on cultivating a high-performance environment that empowers young players to recognise and be inspired by the pathways open to them. 

"We are dedicated to delivering the resources and exceptional support essential for their success," stated Jake Taylor, Director of High Performance.

Evolving Awareness and Engagement
The Evolve pillar focuses on increasing visibility and recognition for men’s and boys’ netball in South Australia. SAMMNA is continuously developing marketing strategies to broaden exposure, raise the profile of male and mixed-gender participation and attract new audiences to the sport. This approach involves leveraging social media, partnerships and events to highlight the achievements of athletes, clubs, programs and volunteers, while also working to dispel misconceptions that netball is solely a female sport. 

“Building awareness is crucial for attracting new players, volunteers and supporters. We want to show that netball is for everyone,” said Clayton Wells, Director of Brand and Marketing. The Evolve pillar is expected to foster a new level of engagement that will strengthen SAMMNA’s presence and support its growth goals. 

Leading Through Strong Governance and Sustainable Practices
The Lead pillar reflects SAMMNA’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and sustainable governance. Recognising that effective leadership is essential for the long-term success of any organisation, SAMMNA aims to implement sound financial practices, diversify its funding sources, and reinforce its governance structures. By focusing on sustainability, SAMMNA aims to remain resilient and adaptive to challenges, maintaining its capacity to support the growth of men’s and mixed netball in South Australia. 

A robust governance framework will not only provide stability but also set a benchmark for similar organisations across Australia. SAMMNA’s leadership team is dedicated to transparency, ensuring that processes and structures are accessible to members and stakeholders alike. “Our goal is to lead by example and demonstrate what good governance looks like in sporting organisations,” said Steven McInnes, Director of Strategy and Integrity. 

A Vision for the Future
SAMMNA’s 2024-2028 strategy is a strong commitment to shaping the future of boys, men’s and mixed netball in South Australia. By focusing on building an inclusive environment, inspiring athletes, evolving awareness and leading through sustainable practices, SAMMNA is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the netball landscape. 

As this strategic plan unfolds, SAMMNA invites the community to join in its mission and support its goals for a vibrant, inclusive and future-focused netball culture. You can view SAMMNA's 2024-2028 trategic plan below.