Former Silver Fern (1992-1997) Margaret Foster (Ngāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa) is passionate about netball and intends to share her love of the game to build confident young netballers.

Margaret is currently working with Te Puni Kōkiri to run workshops for Māori coaches and for coaches coaching Māori players.

“I have been coaching for about 25 years. I always thought that I would be a better coach than a player,” says Margaret.

“I have begun to appreciate the value of being Māori, knowing who I am and where I come from. Having this certainty made me realise that I can contribute to helping others realise their potential in sport whether coaching or playing,” she says.

Margaret was the coach of the Canterbury Flames in 2000 and 2002-2007 and is currently the assistant coach of the Southern Steel ANZ Trans Tasman Championship team.

“I want to give back to rangatahi by sharing my experience and knowledge of a sport that I love,” says Margaret.

Margaret also runs Motivationz Netball Academy in Christchurch, running netball clinics and workshops for young netballers from seven to 18 years old.

It hasn’t always been an easy road for Margaret. Recently she battled with breast cancer.

This mother of two and devoted wife will be launching her book, Silver Linings, about her breast cancer experience, on Mother’s Day this year. “It’s a good read if you are a netballer, a mum, or a wife and have experienced cancer,” says Margaret.

For more information or to contact Margaret Foster email fostm@tpk.govt.nz