Partnership leads to expert foot care

Netball is one of the fastest-growing sports on the Central Coast, with thousands of players taking to the court each season.

But with the fast-paced nature of the game comes an increased risk of foot and lower limb injuries, something Wyong District Netball Association (WDNA) is tackling head-on with an exciting new partnership.

WDNA has teamed up with Blueprint Podiatry, a leading sports podiatry clinic based at Tuggerah, to ensure players across the association have access to expert foot and lower limb care, injury prevention strategies and specialist netball-specific treatment.

With more than 2,500 players across 19 clubs, WDNA is one of the largest female sporting organisations in the region.

The association has a strong reputation for developing talent from grassroots to representative levels, and this new partnership is set to further support local athletes in their pursuit of success.

Blueprint Podiatry is known for its community-first approach to health care, making it a perfect fit for WDNA’s commitment to player welfare.

Led by Matt Shanahan, an experienced sports podiatrist, the Blueprint team has extensive experience treating athletes from various codes, including football, rugby league and now netball.

“Netball is an incredibly demanding sport on the lower limbs, with quick changes of direction, high-impact landings, and repetitive stress on the feet,” Shanahan said.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with WDNA to provide education, injury prevention, and expert care to keep their players on the court and performing at their best.”

The partnership will offer WDNA players fast-tracked podiatry appointments at Blueprint Podiatry’s Tuggerah clinic, injury prevention workshops and screenings, specialist treatment for netball-specific injuries, including ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints, and footwear and orthotic advice to ensure players have the right support on court.

WDNA President Chris Miles welcomed the new partnership, highlighting its importance in fostering a healthier, more resilient sporting community.

“Our association is always looking for ways to better support our players, coaches, and families, and having access to expert allied health professionals like Blueprint Podiatry is a huge advantage,” Miles said.

“This partnership isn’t just about treating injuries, it’s about giving our players the best chance to stay injury-free and reach their full potential.”

Netball is one of the most physically demanding team sports, with research showing that 65% of injuries involve the lower limb.

Ankle sprains, knee issues and foot pain are all common, particularly among young athletes whose bodies are still developing.

By working closely with WDNA, Blueprint Podiatry aims to provide early intervention and proactive care, helping to reduce injury risks and improve long-term player wellbeing.

Beyond elite players, this partnership will provide value for every WDNA member, from juniors just starting out to senior players looking to prolong their time in the game.

Parents will also benefit from education sessions and resources on how to support their children’s foot health, a crucial but often overlooked factor in sports performance.

“Having a local, community-driven podiatry team working alongside WDNA is a fantastic win for our players and their families,” Miles said.

“We’re excited to see the impact this partnership will have in keeping our players fit, healthy, and enjoying their netball.”

As the 2025 season approaches, both WDNA and Blueprint Podiatry are looking forward to rolling out new initiatives to promote injury prevention, foot health, and better performance on court.

For more information about Blueprint Podiatry’s services, visit www.blueprintpodiatry.com.au.