New season, new goals, bold plans

Published 3:33pm 20 February 2025

Words by Nick Crockford

Picture by Candice Epthorp Photography

Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association (RLNA) will launch the 2025 season this weekend with its sign-on day, a new-look committee, bold plans.

RLNA wants to become “the benchmark for sporting excellence in Moreton Bay region” on its Clontarf courts which had a $2 million upgrade last year.

A key part of the plan is providing “clear professional development pathways for everyone, from grassroots players to elite athletes”.

Chairperson Richard Siganto said RLNA is also aiming to boost participation numbers, which saw more than 450 register last year.

Mr Siganto wants "every child on the peninsula to play netball" and return the RLNA to its position as a sporting powerhouse.

The $2 million upgraded courts at Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association

The first major event on that journey is RLNA's 2025 Sign-On Day, on Saturday from 9-11am at the KR Benson Courts, 70 Maine Rd.

Players, parents, friends and families can meet the association’s committee, coaches, volunteers and checkout its range of netball programs.

Alongside Richard on the RLNA board this year is participations director Matthew Burton, treasurer Mark Kitson and competitions director Shantelle Poynter.

“We are more than just a netball association, we’re a family,” Shantelle said.

“We’re building a cornerstone of sporting excellence in the Moreton Bay region which is dedicated to developing exceptional athletes, coaches and officials in a supportive and inclusive environment.”

“Sign-on Day is your chance to experience the RLNA difference firsthand, discover our diverse range of programs designed to cater to all ages and skill levels.”

RLNA started at Peninsula Netball Association (PNA) in 1974 with grass courts. It took 10 years before there was a fixed clubhouse.

Bitumen courts arrived in the early 1990s and in 2000 PNA partnered with Redcliffe Dolphins and became Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association.

The courts were upgraded again in mid-2024 with $2 million funding from Moreton Bay City Council and the Southeast Qld Community Stimulus Program.

At the time, Mayor Peter Flannery said the court renewal provided "essential support for the growing netball association, offering players state-of-the-art facilities”.