Parkville Netball Competitions  (PNC) & Essendon District Netball Association  are Melbourne University Lightning’s primary grassroots feeder associations. The relationship with PNC was formally established in 2013. Essendon District Netball Association joined the community partner program in 2016.

The Club has also developed relationships with Melbourne University Netball Club (MUNC), Waverley District Netball Association, Caulfied Grammar School & most recently Melbourne Girls Grammar School.

The Club provides hands on support to our community partners through coaching scholarships, a mentor coaching and professional development program, specialist player skills sessions, assistance with player talent identification and the annual squad selection process. Since 2013, more than 50 players and coaches have been identified and recruited through the community partner program and currently have positions with the Club in either the Championship, Division 1, 19/U or Lightning Bolts teams.

The community program primarily targets players in the 14 – 16/U age group and provides development opportunities for players to gain selection in the Lightning Bolts program. All of the Club’s coaches and players are required to volunteer their time to assist with the delivery of the program as per the club’s community engagement strategy.