As youth depression, anxiety and cyberbullying continues to climb, the International Netball Festival offers a vital opportunity for young people to connect, grow and learn coping techniques.
The festival held annually in Samoa, Gold Coast, New Zealand and Fiji is a beacon of hope, offering teens a chance to move, bond and thrive on and off the court.
It was founded by inspiring Gold Coast mother-of-four Jane Rushton who, after a near-fatal head-on car accident, went from being told by doctors she would never walk again to running regularly and playing netball.
With youth suicide rates in Australia tragically high, accounting for over one-third of deaths among 15 to 24-year-olds, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the need for connection and community has never been more urgent.
“Covid kids are online kids - facing increasing cyber bullying and social isolation,” Mrs Rushton said.
“We receive an average of 3000 digital messages a day, each one triggering emotional reactions that can lead to overwhelm.”
Research shows that regular physical activity reduces depression and anxiety by boosting endorphins and improving social bonds. Yet with many young Australians spending up to 10 hours a day online, the importance of getting kids off their screens and onto the court has never been clearer.
“By putting down their phones and playing netball, kids get a chance to reset. It’s not just about their physical health - it’s about their mental wellbeing,” she said.
It’s a simple and strong message that adds to benefits from a Health4Life data study that found teens who participated in sports clubs were 60% less likely to experience depression compared to inactive youth. Also, those engaging in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day had lower anxiety, depression and psychological distress scores.
Mrs Rushton is a motivational speaker, author of the Mind Tricks book and journal, NLP Master Trainer, hypnotherapist and entrepreneur whose personal story of resilience is inspiring kids to overcome challenges and rediscover the power of teamwork.
After her devastating car accident in New Zealand in 1992 left her unrecognisable and struggling to walk again, she transformed her life by mastering her mindset.
Today, she teaches others how to do the same through her Mind Tricks 5 Key Steps formula for reducing stress, building confidence, resilience and creating balance.
“Netball is so much more than a game,” Mrs Rushton said.
“It’s a chance for kids to escape the spiral of anxiety caused by excessive screen time and social isolation. When they’re on the court, they’re active, focused and part of a team. It’s a way to remind them they matter.”
The festival brings together teams from different cultures, schools and clubs for a 9-day tour experience, including cultural activities, netball clinics, team bonding, competitive and social matches, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange.
For Mrs Rushton, the message is clear: “Community, words and you matter because you are part of the community and what you say, think and do affects you and everyone around you. By shifting one’s mindset and embracing the power of teamwork, today’s youth can learn to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.”
For details on the International Netball Festival or Jane’s mindset tools, visit https://www.internationalnetballfestivals.com or https://www.janerushtonlive.com