Leigh returns to roots

Leigh Gibbs understands that quality coaches, attract more players.

The gold medalist and world champion coach is stepping down from her role as Nelson Netball general manager as she looks to help grow the game she loves on a national scale.

Leigh will take on the position of community coaching manager for Netball New Zealand, giving her oversight across the whole county at community level.

“It’s what you see out on the courts every weekend, so this was an opportunity for me to focus on my passion area, so that was hard to resist.”

She describes the move as a bit of a ‘back to the future,’ as in a previous role she was overseeing ‘Coach Force,’ a system for delivery of coaching into centres throughout New Zealand.

The former Silver Ferns captain says she will put a strong emphasis on developing “the people who develop the coaches.”

“If you’re directly working with coaches, you just couldn’t cover the number of coaches you’d be needing to work with.”

Her ambition is to bring more quality, capability, and ultimately, more coaches to the game.

Leigh also hopes to maintain a presence at Nelson Netball.

“By being at the coalface, I’m experiencing the requirements I am asking people to deliver on. If you can keep your pencil sharp in the actual practice of coach development, you are a lot more aware of what is needed.”

She says quality coaching translates to players having a better experience.

“Talk to any player who has been around most will reference a really great coach who has instilled their love of the game.”

Leigh says she is leaving Nelson Netball in a healthy position.

“It has been a tough period for all sports but last year actually had growth at secondary school level which is against trend.”

She credits this to schools creating systems that players want to be a part of.

Leigh is also proud of the fact 2022 will see the introduction of a first ever men’s netball team to premier competition.

“Sport has had a rocky road because of Covid, but we know participation in sport is good for the well-being of the whole community.”

Register your interest for the season here http://www.nelsonnetball.co.nz/Registrations/Join