In 2022, Rina decided to become a volunteer coach with Play Sportz, driven by her lived experience and the lack of representation of ethnically diverse girls in the local community taking part in sports regularly. Recognising this gap, she decided to make a difference by launching a netball program. With her personal experience playing netball, Rina dedicated herself to creating a safe, welcoming space for girls and women from diverse backgrounds to get involved in the sport.
**The Early Challenges and Rina’s Resilience**
Starting any new initiative comes with challenges, and Rina’s journey was no different. The early days of her netball sessions had limited numbers and saw only six players attending every Sunday, but this did not deter her. Rina remained committed to marketing the program, networking, and ensuring that her team of volunteers stayed motivated despite the low numbers. She poured her energy into developing the players, which she had, making every session enjoyable and focusing on their development in various ways.
Not only did she put in the work with the players, Rina focused on improving herself and her team of 6 volunteers. Sammy Patel, Chandrika Halai, Dimple Patel, Meeta Parbat, Tanya Singh & Manju Halai. Without them she could not have delivered what she has done to date. They have been her armour and support her every week working hard. She and two other coaches enrolled a Level 1 coaching programme, becoming an England Netball Association member.
**A Growing Community Success**
Since set up Rina’s team has now dramatically grown. From the small group of six players who were founding members, she now manages over 30 Netballers, ranging from young girls aged 5 to 15, to adult women. What started as a modest sized club has grown into a thriving community activity, with new players joining every month, all through word of mouth. The programme’s success can is solely due to the excellent work Rina and her team of four other volunteers have been doing, creating a supportive and encouraging environment for everyone involved.
Rina’s impact extends beyond gender boundaries as well. She has succeeded in attracting mixed-gender participants to netball, with boys who typically play football outdoors now joining in for a game of netball with the girls now and then. This integration of genders has fostered agility development and created a more inclusive environment.
**A Mentor and Role Model**
Rina’s leadership and coaching have left a lasting impression on her community. She has created a space where both girls and boys feel empowered to participate in a traditionally female-dominated sport. At a Bolton Tournament last year, she took several teams including one or two male players, this is just one example of her breaking down gender stereotypes and fostering inclusivity in sports.
Her commitment goes beyond the physical development of the players. Rina is determined to develop the next generation of coaches. Her goal is not just to nurture talented netball players, but to inspire them to become future leaders and mentors themselves. This vision shows Rina’s dedication to ensuring the longevity of her work, as she continues to uplift and empower others.
**An Advocate for Diversity and Inclusivity**
Rina’s work has made a significant impact on the local Asian and wider community, encouraging participation in sports and challenging traditional stereotypes. The netball sessions have become encouraged diversity and inclusion amongst the local community, with participants from a variety of different cultural backgrounds, and the sessions are now a place of joy, fun, and unity.
As a result of Rina’s hard work Play Sportz receiving funding for equipment, venue hire, and training, Rina’s mission continues to grow. She and her team have not only transformed the lives of the players but have also positively influenced the entire community.
To see Rina in action and witness the energy she brings to Play Sportz view the promotional video [here] and find out more information at www.play-sportz.com
