Community Programs
Our Commitment to Opportunity for Every Girl
At the Confident Girls Foundation, we know that every community is different, so our programs are too. Across Australia, girls face a wide range of challenges that limit their access to sport. Many girls face very real barriers that make sport difficult to access.
For some, the cost of registration, uniforms, and travel puts participation out of reach. Others come from First Nations or multicultural communities that do not always have culturally safe places to play. The rising cost of living adds further pressure, and without safe spaces for connection, movement, and leadership, many girls experience increased stress and lower wellbeing.
We design and fund programs that respond to the specific needs of each region and remove these barriers so that every girl can grow her confidence, find community, and realise her potential through netball.
Working with Our Member Organisations to Meet Local Needs
We partner closely with our Member Organisations across Australia to deliver programs that reflect the needs of their communities. Together, we support culturally and linguistically diverse netball programs, domestic and family violence awareness initiatives, all abilities opportunities, First Nations carnivals and clinics, and programs that support students in flexible learning environments. By working hand in hand with our Member Organisations, we make sure every girl can access a safe and empowering sporting experience no matter where she lives or what challenges she faces.
Proud Partners of the Marie Little Shield
The Confident Girls Foundation is a proud major partner of the Marie Little Shield, a national netball competition that celebrates inclusion for female athletes with intellectual disabilities. Named in honour of Marie Little OAM, a pioneer for disability inclusion in Australia, the Marie Little Shield has been a powerful source of connection and opportunity since 2013. For many athletes, the experience is life changing. They compete at a national level in an inclusive environment, develop teamwork and leadership skills, form strong friendships, and gain confidence and independence that carries into their local netball communities. The Marie Little Shield is more than a competition. It is a celebration of ability, strength, pride, and belonging.
Principal Partners of the First Nations Black Swans
In 2024, Netball Australia introduced the inaugural First Nations national team, the Black Swans, and the Confident Girls Foundation is honoured to be their Principal Partner. This important initiative creates meaningful pathways and removes long standing systemic barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers. Through our partnership, the Black Swans have increased opportunities to develop their talent, greater visibility in national pathways, culturally grounded high performance experiences, and a sporting environment that celebrates culture through elite netball.
The team name honours the Black Swan, a species native to Australia and deeply significant in the Dreaming stories of many First Nations language groups. Black Swans are known for their beauty, rarity, loyalty, and strong presence. These qualities reflect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who represent their communities with pride through this team. As Principal Partners, we remain committed to building a netball future that is inclusive, representative, and culturally strong.
