From the Sidelines to the Court: Coach Powell's Journey

Burnside Springs United netball coach, Warren Powell, shares how their club shapes netball players to achieve their goals while enjoying the sport.

April 17, 2025

Dedicated coach from Caroline Springs, Warren Powell, is helping lead Burnside Springs United in creating a supportive environment for players to succeed in their netball journey. Netball has long been a beloved sport in Melton, and for many families, it is much more than just a weekend activity. 

In a conversation with Coach Powell, he shares what makes this club so special and why coaching is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with a community. 

“We accept everybody - different nationalities, different religions. We just want to see the kids enjoy themselves and have a chance to participate in sport.” Inclusivity is clearly at the core of the club’s values, offering kids from all backgrounds a place to grow, thrive and feel welcomed.

Coach Powell has been with the club for around five years and says their journey started in the most unexpected way. “My daughter used to play there. They needed a coach. I didn’t know anything about netball, but I gave it a go.” A parent providing their assistance had turned into a commitment to teaching players how to build both skill and confidence.

“It’s seeing the smile on the kids’ faces when they’re playing and interacting. That’s the joy.” For this coach, it’s the small moments that matter - watching players train, laugh, and develop not just as athletes, but as people.

Burnside Springs United netball team with Coach Warren Powell

"Watching them grow, learn to play together, have confidence in attacking the ball - it’s so fulfilling"

The connection between coach and players goes far beyond the game. “Because we’re volunteers, it feels good to give something back,” they said. “You meet new people, their families, and you see the kids enjoying something they didn’t know they were good at. It’s not always about winning - it’s about loving the sport.”

Although the ultimate purpose of netball is the passion, there are always going to be wins that fill the players with pride.  “Last year we won a premiership at the Parkville competition for the first time,” the coach shared. “We went through the season undefeated, and it was with some of the girls I’d taught since they were 13. Teaching them the basics and then seeing them win - that was really special.”

Coach Powell offers valuable advice for anyone interested in joining or coaching at a netball club. “Just find a local community club like ours. We accept all abilities - it doesn’t matter if you’ve never played. We’ll teach you how to pass, how to catch, the basics.” The same goes for new coaches, with Coach Powell adding: “we’ll support you with resources and help you along the way.”

The most rewarding aspect for Coach Powell remains clear. “Seeing the kids enjoy themselves. Watching them grow, learn to play together, have confidence in attacking the ball - it’s so fulfilling.” 

Stories like these can remind people how sport can bring communities together. Burnside Springs United Netball Club is not just about competition - it is about giving everyone a fair go, creating lifelong memories, and celebrating personal growth.

Burnside Springs United Netball Club junior team winners

Nerasha is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, who's honed her writing and leadership skills through her school newspaper and Melton Youth Advisory Committee.

Dedicated coach from Caroline Springs, Warren Powell, is helping lead Burnside Springs United in creating a supportive environment for players to succeed in their netball journey. Netball has long been a beloved sport in Melton, and for many families, it is much more than just a weekend activity. 

In a conversation with Coach Powell, he shares what makes this club so special and why coaching is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with a community. 

“We accept everybody - different nationalities, different religions. We just want to see the kids enjoy themselves and have a chance to participate in sport.” Inclusivity is clearly at the core of the club’s values, offering kids from all backgrounds a place to grow, thrive and feel welcomed.

Coach Powell has been with the club for around five years and says their journey started in the most unexpected way. “My daughter used to play there. They needed a coach. I didn’t know anything about netball, but I gave it a go.” A parent providing their assistance had turned into a commitment to teaching players how to build both skill and confidence.

“It’s seeing the smile on the kids’ faces when they’re playing and interacting. That’s the joy.” For this coach, it’s the small moments that matter - watching players train, laugh, and develop not just as athletes, but as people.

Nerasha Pathirana
is a journalist at Good News Melton. She ipsum ultricies aptent sollicitudin est congue. You can find her stories here.

Read more good news stories

⬤ Find all of our stories here

Building a Better Melton: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Abboushi

Djerriwarrh Festival: The City We Create

From the Sidelines to the Court: Coach Powell's Journey

Melton Unveils New Resale Shop

Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Melton Botanic Garden

Empowering Youth in Melton’s South Sudanese Community

The Heart Behind Pay It Forward Melton

From Refugee to Community Lawyer: John Kon's Journey of Resilience and Community Impact

Melton Asian Night Market: Celebrating Culture and Cuisine

Aintree Community Comes Together for Annual Clean Up

Empowering the Future: the Aspiring Young Africans Foundation

GirlChat: Changing the World One Conversation at a Time!

Melton Welcomes New Citizens: Celebrating Australia's Diversity at 2025 Ceremony

Headspace Youth Advisory Group: Amplifying the voices of Melton for Mental Health

Melton documentary ‘Reclaimed Voices’ makes its debut in Melbourne

Melton Local Makes New Mental Health App, Sevn Clouds

Mandalas in Melton

Headspace Melton: A Growing Tree of Hope for our Mental Health Services

Local Foodbank Helps Families During the Cost of Living Crisis

Building a Better Melton: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Abboushi

Djerriwarrh Festival: The City We Create

From the Sidelines to the Court: Coach Powell's Journey

Melton Unveils New Resale Shop

Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Melton Botanic Garden

Empowering Youth in Melton’s South Sudanese Community

The Heart Behind Pay It Forward Melton

From Refugee to Community Lawyer: John Kon's Journey of Resilience and Community Impact

Melton Asian Night Market: Celebrating Culture and Cuisine

Aintree Community Comes Together for Annual Clean Up

Empowering the Future: the Aspiring Young Africans Foundation

GirlChat: Changing the World One Conversation at a Time!

Melton Welcomes New Citizens: Celebrating Australia's Diversity at 2025 Ceremony

Headspace Youth Advisory Group: Amplifying the voices of Melton for Mental Health

Melton documentary ‘Reclaimed Voices’ makes its debut in Melbourne

Melton Local Makes New Mental Health App, Sevn Clouds

Mandalas in Melton

Headspace Melton: A Growing Tree of Hope for our Mental Health Services

Local Foodbank Helps Families During the Cost of Living Crisis

Read more good news stories

⬤ Find all of our stories here

"1111 Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras justo odio, dapibus ac facilisis in, egestas eget quam."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec sed odio dui. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Button Text

We spoke with City of Melton Mayor, Steve Abboushi, who shared his vision for the future, the community’s top priorities, and the steps currently being taken to build a more connected and vibrant Melton.

➔ Read more
Button Text

We visit Melton’s biggest event of the year for a day filled with fun activities and community spirit!

➔ Read more
Button Text

Burnside Springs United netball coach, Warren Powell, shares how their club shapes netball players to achieve their goals while enjoying the sport.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Visit the Melton Resale Shop for affordable second-hand treasures, and help create local jobs for people facing employment barriers with every purchase!

➔ Read more
Button Text

Robin, a volunteer with the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, shares his experience creating a welcoming space for all through his hands-on contributions.

➔ Read more
Button Text

After a cancer diagnosis, Sonyia Hofherr turned hardship into hope, creating Pay It Forward Melton to support those in need. What began with small donations has grown into a vital community initiative, proving that one act of kindness can spark a movement.

➔ Read more
Button Text

After arriving in Australia as a refugee, John Kon turned his challenges into a drive to give back. Now a Lawyer at Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre, he’s helping others navigate the legal system - showing how lived experience can lead to lasting impact.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Melton Asian Night Market kicks off a vibrant three-part series of cultural celebrations, bringing the community together through delicious food, live entertainment, and interactive experiences.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Dozens of people from the Aintree community come out to Deanside Wetlands for a vital clean up as part of the nationwide Clean Up Australia Day movement.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Aspiring Young Africans Foundation (ASPYA) is a transformative movement empowering local African-Australian youth through mentorship, education, and community support.

➔ Read more
Button Text

GirlChat is a powerful grassroots movement empowering young women through open conversations, leadership, and community-driven change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Hundreds of residents of Melton proudly became Australian citizens during a vibrant ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in their journey as part of a growing, multicultural community.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Reclaimed Voices is more than a documentary - it’s a movement that amplifies African Australian youth experiences, and sparks much needed conversations on justice, identity, and systemic change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Melton mother Brooke created Sevn Clouds, a simple app offering instant relief for anxiety and panic attacks.

➔ Read more
Button Text

See how this local created Buddhist-inspired artworks and gave the Melton library the gift of meditation

➔ Read more
"Donec sed odio dui. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus."
Name Surname
Position, Company name