Mentor: Bringelly netball coach Julie Sligar has helped children from across the southwest. Picture: Jeff De Pasquale
JULIE Sligar is a mathematics teacher at St Gregory's College, Campbelltown during the week. On Saturdays she can't wait to hit the netball courts.
An active participant with Bringelly Sports Netball Club, Sligar has been an integral part of club since 1996 as a player, official, coach and now president.
"I have played netball since I was five and I am extremely passionate about encouraging girls and women to play sport," she said.
"Netball promotes fitness, team spirit and determination for success.
"I believe netball provides girls an opportunity to develop physical skills and mental stamina to be successful in a range of situations.
"Netball caters for players of a wide range of abilities and coaches and umpires provide positive role models for younger players."
Sligar said her work as a teacher had helped her skills in coaching and as a mentor.
"As a teacher it is important that I develop the self-confidence of young players," Sligar said.
"This is achieved in netball through teaching the skills of the game and encouraging players to continue to give their best every time they play and train."
Sligar is also an accredited umpire and plays for the Bringelly masters.