By Adrian Ceddia
THE strength of the St Albans Netball Association has plenty to do with the contribution made by Jan Schulz over more than three decades.
Schulz, still as heavily involved in the game as ever, was presented with a state award for the Elmer Region at the 2006 Netball Victoria awards ceremony, held at the Sofitel Hotel.
On the same evening, annual awards were given to players from state competition teams Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne Kestrels.
The award was a fitting tribute to the tireless hard work Schulz has undertaken over an extended period, but she was shocked to have been honoured on such an occasion.
“It was a surprise,” she said.
“You don’t do these things to get rewarded, you do them because you enjoy them.
“I wouldn’t be doing it after all these years if I didn’t enjoy doing it.”
Schulz has played in the St Albans Netball Association for more than 30 years, and has held the presidency for the last 23.
Initially the top job was planned to be a temporary position, but her increased involvement led her to a more permanent role.
“I thought I would do it for 12 months until we could get somebody to take it over properly,” she said.
“I’m still doing it. There’s going to be a time in the near future when I have to give it away, but I’ll do it while I’m still wanted.”
Along with juggling a full time job, Schulz looks after 117 teams currently enrolled in the association, as well as coordinating the teams in the Parkville District Netball Association.
“It does get hectic, but we’ve got a wonderful committee which we’ve had hardly any changes in for years,” she said.
“They’ve all worked tirelessly. Their goals are the same as mine, and we manage to get things done without much fuss.”
The St Albans Netball Association outgrew its first venue, until a huge fundraising drive saw it move to Sydenham’s Community Hub, where it operates with two courts six days per week.
The strength of its competitions has seen a number of players go on to play for Victoria and Australia.
The association umpiring program is also one of the best in the state, with referees continually being offered opportunities to officiate at national and international level.
After so long in the caper, Schulz is grateful to the sport.
“I’ve made lots of friendships that I love, and I really enjoy watching the kids grow into the sport and get to the highest level they can,” she said.
