Netball continues to record strong participation in the National School League (NSL), with schools across Efate taking part despite transport and communication challenges.

The competition is currently in Series Three, following the successful completion of the first two series. Netball officials have already selected a development squad from players identified during the competition.

While several other sports under the National School League have already completed Series Four and are on a break until after Independence Day, netball is continuing its programme.

Netball Development Officer Flowrence Leo said participation has been encouraging throughout the competition.

“Across the first three series we’ve seen good participation from school teams in the National School League. Even schools from Eton have continued to participate despite transport challenges. Communication with some teachers has also been a challenge, but overall the response has been positive.”

Ms Leo said participation temporarily declined during Series Two because some schools were following a different academic calendar and were on holiday.

“Some schools were still using last year’s school calendar, so when they went on holiday there were no teachers available to bring the teams. Participation dropped to two teams during that period, but the netball programme continued.”

This week, Netball Vanuatu and other National School League development officers are conducting coaching courses with school teachers at Korman Stadium.

The National School League is now on a short break and will resume after Vanuatu’s Independence Day celebrations.