PEP Mini Netball Programme goes national to all nine provinces

South Africa’s young netball stars have reason to celebrate as the PEP mini Netball programme expands its reach to all nine provinces in 2025, thanks to a continued partnership between PEP and South African Schools Netball (SASN). On Wednesday, Laerskool Eureka in Kimberley will play host to one of these training workshops from 13:00 to 17:00, where coaches from various schools will be trained and guided on grassroots netball training.

Now in its third consecutive year, the initiative — aimed at under-7, under-8, and under-9 girls — has grown from a modest beginning into a powerful nationwide movement that not only teaches the fundamentals of netball but also builds confidence, encourages participation, and strengthens community spirit across the country.

The journey began in 2023, with the programme initially launched in Gauteng, Free State, and the Western Cape. The following year, it spread to Limpopo, North-West, and the Northern Cape, laying the foundation for a sport-driven grassroots revolution. Now in 2025, the final step is complete: the PEP mini netball programme will officially include KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape.

“This is a truly proud moment for PEP mini Netball,” said Beyers van der Merwe, Chief Marketing Officer at PEP. “By reaching all nine provinces, more young girls can discover their love for the sport. By encouraging untapped talent in the community, we can help the future generation of players and coaches with the confidence they need to chase their dreams.”

As part of its national rollout, the 2025 edition of the programme will host 40 netball festivals and 9 coaching sessions across the country. These events are designed not only to improve on-court skills but also to foster a sense of unity among children, coaches, and communities.

“We’re not just enhancing skills,” van der Merwe added, “we’re building a strong sense of community.”

The coaching sessions will once again be led by a trio of South Africa’s top netball figures:

• Dumisani Chauke, former Spar Proteas Assistant Coach and PEP mini Netball Ambassador
• Dr. Elsje Jordaan, Sports Scientist at Sportisimo and Head Coach of the Golden Fireballs
• Minnette Dempsey, Motivational Speaker and Team Culture Coach from Sportisimo

These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience and passion to the sessions, providing not only technical guidance but also emotional support and motivational insight for both budding players and their coaches.

Their involvement is central to ensuring the sustainability of the programme. Coaches from local communities are also being equipped with the tools they need to continue mentoring young players long after the festivals have ended.

Di Woolley, President of South African Schools Netball, expressed her enthusiasm for the continued collaboration with PEP.

“The PEP mini netball festivals and coaching sessions continue to become a powerful tool for youth development,” Woolley said. “Young girls from all backgrounds now have the opportunity to gain basic skills in netball at the grassroots level. We are excited to see the programme expand to all nine provinces, creating even more opportunities for girls to grow, excel, and be inspired by the sport of netball.”

This expansion comes at a time when South African netball is enjoying heightened visibility and support, following the success of recent international tournaments and increased media attention on the sport.

Programmes like PEP mini Netball serve as critical pipelines for nurturing the next generation of talent, starting from the earliest possible age.

More than just a sport, netball is proving to be a catalyst for change — and with PEP’s unwavering support, thousands of girls now have the chance to become part of something greater than themselves: a national movement of empowerment, athletic growth, and community engagement.

What to Expect in 2025:

• 40 Mini Netball Festivals: Fun, competitive, and safe events for young players across all nine provinces
• 9 High-Impact Coaching Clinics: Led by SA’s top netball minds, focused on upskilling local coaches and community leaders
• A National Platform for Talent: An inclusive space where every child, regardless of background, can shine

Whether it’s on the court or from the sidelines, South Africa’s netball future looks bright – and it starts here, with mini steps that lead to major dreams.