Finnan-White’s First Nations Academy of Excellence (FNAE) and NQ have agreed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for both organisations to collaborate across the pillars of High Performance, Talent Identification and Competitions with the aim of enabling First Nations athletes to be well positioned to enter, enjoy and perform in high performance pathways and statewide events.
As part of the MOU, NQ will provide mentoring for FNAE athletes as well as attending netball events to identify First Nations talent and support the entry of FNAE teams into NQ’s Junior and Senior State Age and Vicki Wilson Cup competitions.
FNAE athletes will also have the chance to participate fully in Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA) programs if they are member of both academies.
“Netball Queensland is committed to identifying and addressing instances where First Nations participants experience barriers to playing, performing and enjoying netball,” NQ CEO Kate Davies said.
“This includes pathways into the elite tier of netball and I am excited to see how this partnership with Sharon and FNAE will allow us to keep identifying and breaking down those barriers together.”
“It has been fantastic to listen and learn from Sharon and seek to understand her lived experiences in our sport and apply those learnings through this MOU and in the interests of future First Nations netballers.”
Designed to support young Indigenous netballers aged 15 to 25, the FNAE aims to provide holistic support across the mind, body and environment through a range of services that include netball training, education and employment support, strength and conditioning, mindset coaching, cultural development and mentorship.
"I am absolutely thrilled about the partnership between FNAE and NQ. This collaboration promises not only to elevate FNAE's netball initiatives but also to extend its positive impact to First Nations athletes statewide,” Finnan-White said.
“Together, we're creating pathways for success, empowerment, and lasting change within the broader netball community."
