I feel incredibly lucky to have spent four amazing months in Melbourne, combining my love of travel and exploring new places with netball. Throughout my time in Australia, Sport Lived have been incredibly kind and organised, helping answer any of my questions and making my Melbourne experience one to remember.
Playing for Two Fantastic Clubs
I had the opportunity to play for two fantastic clubs, both of which helped develop my netball skills and enabled me to make lifelong friends with whom I know I'll keep in touch. Both clubs were so friendly and welcoming, especially during my first training session when I didn't know anyone!
One of the clubs played at the State Netball Centre, which was incredible to play at – not only is it home to the Melbourne Vixens, but it also boasts incredible facilities with 11 indoor courts, something you would never find in the UK! Additionally, I played for a club in the SFNL (Southern Football Netball League), where the games were more physical and fast-paced, meaning I had to improve my netball skills quickly. Our team managed to win the Anzac Cup, which meant we brought home a trophy!
The club also organised several social events, such as a beer pong night where you had to attend with a friend dressed as an iconic duo, and a cocktail night – both were wonderful ways to socialise with the friends I'd made at the club.
Sport Lived Social Activities
There was plenty of time for Sport Lived social activities too. This was a great way to catch up with everyone on the programme and see more of Melbourne. My favourites were probably Urbn Surf, as it was so much fun learning to surf and watching everyone else catch waves, and visiting the Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island, where we got to stroke koalas and feed kangaroos as well as see lots of other native Australian animals.
I also found time between netball sessions to organise my own trip to Sydney. I was there for a few days and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visited the famous Bondi Beach, and much more.
Exploring Melbourne
I loved going out and exploring Melbourne, which is such a vibrant city – there are loads of cool places to eat, interesting museums, and beautiful gardens to walk through. I particularly loved the National Gallery Victoria, as they had some fascinating exhibitions on, and the Royal Botanical Gardens and Carlton Gardens are lovely to wander through.
Of course, I had to experience Melbourne's sport culture too! I went to a few SSN games, which were incredible – it was amazing to see world-class Australian players battling it out in the top netball league in the world. I also went to an AFL game, which was such a cool experience (once I understood the rules, that is!) and then bought a scarf of the team I decided to support!
Final Thoughts
Overall, I've loved my time in Melbourne – I've come home having improved my netball, made new friends (whom I'm trying to convince to visit the UK!), and enjoyed some amazing experiences, all thanks to Sport Lived.
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