Netball – It’s a wrap!

Celebrating an Unforgettable Year for Maccabi AJAX Netball

On Tuesday, 26 November, the Maccabi AJAX Netball Club (MANC) came together at the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation to celebrate another successful year of growth, achievements, and community spirit. With 292 players competing across four associations, the evening was a testament to the dedication of players, parents, volunteers, and sponsors who make the club thrive.

Recognition and Gratitude

Co-presidents Omer and Nat opened the night by highlighting the club’s progress over the past year and expressing gratitude to the hardworking committee members, team coordinators, and volunteers. Special thanks were given to:

• Committee members: Romi Zaslavsky, Carrie Kausman, Nat Roth, Gill Snow, Sam Blackstone, Rachelle Goldenberg, Danny Harris, and Julia Teperson.
• Sponsors: Slomoi Immerman Partners, The Joint Physiotherapy, PaperKrane, Bluegum, and P2P Planned 2 Perfection Events.

Their combined efforts ensured every player took to the court in the right uniform, ready to compete.

Highlights of 2024

This year marked significant growth for MANC, with 24 junior teams, seven senior teams, and a thriving pups program. Key milestones included:

Pups Program

The pups program, led by Nat Roth for 14 years, nurtured the skills and love for netball among 20 young players. This year also saw the introduction of six Year 9 and 10 assistant coaches, who gained valuable mentoring from Nat and Zoe Aarons.

Junior Teams

• KDNA: Seven teams competed in the Kingston Netball Association, with five players selected for representative teams. A highlight was participating in the U11 Stonnington tournament.
• CDNA: The club entered 17 teams, with five making it to the finals in the Autumn season and five competing in the Spring finals. The U13 Eagles stood out, securing the Div 1 Grand Final win.

Senior Teams

• Highlights included playing on state-of-the-art courts and the introduction of a mixed team. The Stonnington Jewels won their Spring Grand Final in a nail-biting 30-29 victory, while the Waverley Rubies topped their ladder heading into finals.

Father’s Day Training

After the success of last year’s Mother’s Day session, the club held its first Father’s Day training, led by Paul Berman. It was a hit with the dads, who gained a new appreciation for the challenges of netball.

Special Mentions

• Awards: Jasmine Lipsitz (KDNA) and Olivia Wolman (CDNA) received the club’s highest honours.
• Volunteers: Chantel Klein was named Maccabi Volunteer of the Year, surprising her during a training session with her family present.
• Representative Achievements: Players like Rachel Naphtali and Summer Klinger shone on state and national stages, showcasing the talent within the club. 

Looking Ahead to 2025

With record registrations anticipated, the club is gearing up for another big year. A reminder to families: roles such as team coordinators and scorers are vital to keep the club running smoothly. Selections for U13 and U15 teams will take place on Sunday, 8 December.

Congratulations to all players, coaches, and supporters on an outstanding year—here’s to even greater achievements in 2025!

AWARDS