Blue Jays Netball Club, located in Brisbane, is a prominent sports club with a rich history. Founded in 1977 by a group of determined women who started playing netball when their children were part of the Wilston Grange U16A team, Blue Jays has since become one of the largest clubs playing fixtures at Bradbury Park. The club initially chose to play on Wednesday nights in the BNA competition to cater to the players' preference of not playing on Saturdays.
Over the years, Blue Jays has grown and now offers a mixed competition, allowing players the option to participate in a more social or competitive environment, depending on their preferences. This flexibility has led to the club's continued success and popularity within the Brisbane netball community. Blue Jays strongly encourages all of its players, parents, and supporters to get involved in the club's activities. The club is committed to assisting prospective coaches and umpires in gaining accreditation, with the aim of continuously improving the quality of netball for everyone involved.
Blue Jays Netball Club holds an Annual General Meeting each year, where the President addresses the attendees and expresses gratitude to the various individuals who contribute to the club's success. The club values its members and recognises their commitment to Blue Jays. The Committee, Coaches, and Volunteers work tirelessly to provide a strong foundation for players and parents alike, fostering a lifelong love for netball. Despite the challenges faced, such as the impact of COVID-19, the club strives to keep players on the court and maintain a vibrant training programme.
The Blue Jays executive committee, comprised of Julie Garner as Vice President, Teagan Antonie as Secretary, and Greg Taylor as Treasurer, has played a pivotal role in the club's operations over the past year. Their dedication and sacrifices, including time spent away from their families, have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth functioning of the club. Additionally, the club acknowledges the team selection led by Bec Beaton, which has consistently produced exceptional teams. In the Winter Day Season of 2021, Blue Jays had an impressive performance, with 18 out of 32 teams placing in the top 4, 12 teams reaching the grand finals, and 9 teams winning their respective divisions.
The club's junior teams showcased their strength by winning every division, setting a promising foundation for future success. A highlight of the season was the Blue Sapphires triumphantly securing the Division 1 topship, ending a long streak of being runners-up.
Blue Jays Netball Club prides itself on its welcoming and supportive community. With a thriving social media presence on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram (@blue_jays_netball), and TikTok (@bluejaysnetball), the club ensures that its members, supporters, and followers stay up to date with the latest news and events. Additionally, the club has a Facebook page dedicated to second-hand uniforms, providing a convenient platform for members to find affordable and sustainable netball attire. To stay connected and receive regular updates from Blue Jays, interested individuals can subscribe to the club's mailing list.
Overall, Blue Jays Netball Club is a dedicated sports club that offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for netball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. With its impressive history, commitment to player development, and successful track record, Blue Jays continues to make a significant impact in the Brisbane netball community.