The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation is celebrating the impact of its successful partnership with Netball Jamaica, following the recent completion of another phase of Netball Jamaica’s Coaching Development Programme, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing netball’s coaching capacity within Jamaica.

With a generous funding of $1 million, the Foundation supported two comprehensive coaching programmes over an eight-month period, positively impacting the lives of 32 coaches and the wider community.

Coaching Development Programme Overview

The Level 2 and Level 1 coaching programmes saw the participation of 18 and 14 coaches, respectively. Both programmes comprised of 7 and 14 modules each, totalling 152 hours of training in the areas of coaching techniques, leadership development, tactical analysis, team management, athlete development and fitness training. In addition, all coaches would have participated in the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation’s unique Conversations for Greatness, with a view to fostering a culture of empowerment, growth, and positive change in the lives of all the participants.

Impact on Coaches

The coaching development programme has served to empower coaches, many of whom reported increased confidence in their coaching abilities and a greater sense of enabling, as community leaders. The training significantly improved their technical skills, communication, leadership, and game strategy, opening new career opportunities in schools, clubs, and national-level teams.

Community and Economic Impact

The ripple effect of this initiative extends beyond the coaches. With 1,637 players from 42 clubs/teams benefiting from the enhanced coaching, the programme has fostered youth development and created positive social outcomes through sport. Additionally, several coaches have secured paid roles in schools and local clubs, contributing to the local economy.

Personal Growth and Well-being

In addition, participants of the Level 2 Coaching course also benefited from sessions on personal growth, financial literacy, and mental wellness. These sessions provided valuable insights into setting and achieving personal goals, understanding investments, budgeting tips, and the importance of mental health and self-care.

In sharing her delight and gratitude for the generous support of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, the president of Netball Jamaica, Tricia Robinson, beamed, “We are immensely proud of the strides we have made in developing our coaching capacity, and our partnership with the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation is a game-changer for netball in Jamaica. By investing in our coaches, we are not only enhancing technical and leadership skills but also empowering communities and shaping the future of the sport. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to excellence and to the growth of netball at every level.” 

Future Growth

The success of the programme has laid a strong foundation for the future growth of netball in Jamaica. With more qualified coaches, Jamaica’s netball programmes are expected to expand, potentially increasing community engagement and tourism through hosting local and international events. Notably, two graduates from the Level 2 programme are actively contributing to Jamaica’s national programme as interns, coaching the Jamaica U16 team and participating in the Island Vibes Netball Tournament.

Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, expressed her delight with the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to have partnered with Netball Jamaica in this impactful initiative. The success of the Netball Coaching Development Programme underscores our commitment to community empowerment and nation-building. By investing in the development of our coaches, we are creating lasting positive change in the lives of coaches and players alike, fostering growth in the sport and contributing to the overall well-being of our communities.”