In her second season as president, Kerry Whitty said that the association was keen to grow player participation in both juniors and seniors, and encourage more males to play what has traditionally been a girls-only sport.

"We are recruiting heavily for the upcoming season across the entire competition. Last season we had around 300 players ranging in age from four to 60 registered, this year we are hoping to improve on that number," Whitty said.

"We plan to kick off the season with a senior social competition starting on February 8 and invite players of all ages and ability to join the fun.

"Then on Saturday, March 20, the NBNA will be hosting a 'Hello Netball' day from 9am at the Nelson Bay courts [opposite Tomaree pool], inviting newcomers to come along and give netball a try."

Whitty said that the Nelson Bay club had for decades been producing talented juniors who have gone onto play at representative level.

"Nelson Bay has always featured strongly in state championship carnivals and we want to encourage our players to achieve their highest goals, whether that be at state, or beyond," she said.

"Similarly, we would like to see more mums who have been away from the game for whatever reason to step back on the court and participate in the social competitions on offer."

Whitty added that NBNA had upgraded and improved facilities at the netball courts.

"We have added some seating, a water station, cleaned out the clubhouse, installed a new PA system and refreshed the canteen facilities. We hope to be introducing some new, healthy options in the canteen this year," she said.

"The club has also applied for a series of grants to both purchase new equipment and to upskill our coaches and umpires."

Whitty said that the association was keen to develop the coaching and umpiring skills in order to strengthen the quality of play and ensure Nelson Bay netballers would be as competitive as can be.

Unfortunately, due to the disruptive season in 2020, the NBNA, like many other junior sporting clubs and associations, is seeking new sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming season.

The committee for season 2021 is: president Kerry Whitty; vice-president Bec Keating; secretary Sheridan Workman; treasurer Alison Scheeberger; competition convener Linda Jones; rep convener Amanda Wilks; canteen supervisor Grace McErlane; fundraiser Sarah Matthews; general assistant Craig Loose; junior co-ordinatior Taylah Whitty; registrar Jo van der Helm; Covid officer Ashlea Caldwell; publicity officer Nicole Brady.

New and returning players and sponsors can contact NBNA at nelsonbayna.nsw.netball.com.au.