Canterbury develops Juniors

Since October 2000, Korfball NZ has developed a junior korfball programme in Christchurch, targeted mainly at children in the 10-14 year age group.

This has initially developed around children from two of Christchurch’s larger intermediate schools: Chisnallwood and Cobham. Children from a number of other schools have also taken part. The programme has been greatly assisted by generous grants from the Swan Fund, the International Korfball Federation and in particular the Community Trust.

Through 2001 around 70 children played regular korfball as part of this programme.

In November 2001 training squads at Under 13 and Under 16 levels were selected, with the primary objective of participation as a Canterbury team at Korfball Australia's State Championships in May 2002.

Children in the Under 13 age group are also playing korfball at Mayfield Primary School in Mid Canterbury and St Mary's in Hokitika.

Korfball is also played at a number of secondary schools in other centres throughout New Zealand. Some we are aware of are Upper Hutt, Hokitika, Nelson, Kaikoura, Cambridge, and Blenheim. Any physical education teachers who would like to make contact with teachers at these schools with a view to participating in inter-school korfball should contact Rob Smith -

For more information on what makes korfball such a great sport, particularly for children and young adults, have a look at such a great sport