iNPSIRE = Netball: South Pacific Island-Rolleston Experience​




Your Dreams are a gift to you

What you do with them is a gift to others



Background Information

It was after attending the Golden Oldies Netball Tournament in 2011 in Fiji (along with partners who also played) that the concept of iNSPIRE was born.

We have had great fun organising fundraisers, working as a team, and enjoying the fellowship that netball provides.  Our children have been supportive of our efforts and particularly enjoyed the monthly “Fiji meetings” that enabled them to socialise and teach their fathers how to play netball as well.  The concept of “giving something back” through our netball contacts and being able to develop strong relationships with the younger generation was an opportunity we want to develop further.

The idea of donating our old netball uniforms and equipment is a physical way that we can contribute to others.

The life experiences that iNSPIRE allows is important and shows the true spirit of netball fellowship.

There is no long-term tie intended with each Pacific Island, although the long-term concept of several trips to different islands is the goal.  Each exchange will be slightly different although contacts made, and lessons learned will allow future exchanges to develop and improve.

It is hoped that the cultural aspect and life experience will create positive spins for media and promotional opportunities.





Previous Teams



There have been three teams travel to Samoa.  The first trip was in 2013 being mainly 15year olds and older.  The 2016 and 2018 teams were mainly 13 and 14 year olds.


Both teams travelled in the September/October holidays, traveling on the last day of term 2 (so in term time) but arriving home during the holidays.  This was to travel on slightly cheaper flights. 


The teams managed to raise over $22,000 each so the cost was keep very low.


Donations of stationery were sourced from the girl’s own schools after they presented our story at school assemblies (primary and secondary). 


The highlight for all the girls was the village stay.  We stayed with Leanne’s father in his village at Tufutafoe on Savaii.  It is very remote.  We stayed in Harry’s home, which is a cross between a traditional fale (house) and a European style home.  It was a bit like staying on a marae.  It was very hot both times as Samoa is very close to the equator so much hotter than some of the other Pacific islands.


Unfortunately schools are also on holiday when we travelled the first two times, however the village children came back to school for us so the girls were able to share the whole day with them at school.   The 2018 team were lucky enough to travel in Samoan school time so managed to visit five schools - three in Apia and two in Savaii. They got to play netball against Leanne's school, Samoa College and three other secondary schools. They were treated to a traditional 'ava ceremony at Faleata College - an experience in itself, and then playing a game in front of the whole school who cheered and clapped thoughout the game. 


The first team shared their knowledge at the Samoa Netball holiday programme and played a game in Apia.  This didn’t eventuate for the second team, but they got to tour around St Marys College instead. Their itineary is on their team pages.