This March, the HeartKids Cup served as the official pre-season competition for Netball NSW’s 2025 Premier League. Held over March 1st and 2nd at Sydney Olympic Park’s Netball Central, the event brought together all 10 Netball NSW Premier League franchises, elite athletes, passionate supporters, and a Celebrity Charity Match featuring some of the biggest names in NSW and Australian netball—all in support of HeartKids.
Behind this incredible initiative was a deeply personal story and a mother’s commitment to making a difference.
The Aplin Family’s Journey
The HeartKids Cup became a reality thanks to Mardi Aplin, General Manager – Performance & Pathways Netball NSW.
Beyond her professional role, Mardi is also a heart mum, with firsthand experience navigating the challenges of childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD). In 2006, Mardi and her husband, Mick, welcomed their son Carter into the world.
At just one week old, Carter was diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)—a combination of complex heart conditions requiring urgent medical care.
While doctors closely monitored him in the first few weeks of life, he required open-heart surgery at just four weeks old.
“Open-heart surgery day arrived, and as all heart parents do, we had to hand our little baby over to the nurses and wait the long seven hours until we received the call that he was out of surgery.”
Returning home to Orange, NSW, the Aplin family faced the uncertainty of managing Carter’s condition. He required further procedures, including another open-heart surgery at just one year old. “Life was a learning experience—navigating being a parent for the first time while also worrying about Carter’s condition. We had a few excellent weeks where everything was okay, but things just started to go a little pear-shaped.”
Finding Community in HeartKids
During this journey, the Aplin family discovered HeartKids. Through events, camps, and services, she and Carter connected with other families navigating similar challenges.
“We have met so many amazing families who have become lifelong friends thanks to HeartKids functions and camps. One of our proudest moments is sharing Carter’s journey to help others in similar situations and raise funds for HeartKids.”
Now 18, Carter is a resilient and determined young man, navigating adulthood while keeping up with his health needs and preparing for a future procedure.
Their family journey has inspired Mardi to give back to the heart kid community in a meaningful way—through netball.
The Netball HeartKids Cup: A Game-Changer
As a leader within Netball NSW, Mardi saw an opportunity to unite the netball community for a cause close to her heart. The Netball HeartKids Cup was created—a high-energy competition that not only prepared teams for the Premier League season but also raised vital funds and awareness for the 250,000 Australians living with childhood-onset heart disease.
Throughout the recent two-day event, all 10 Premier League franchises competed, culminating in a Celebrity Charity Match, where some of the biggest names in netball took the court to support HeartKids.
“HeartKids has been such an important part of our lives, and being able to give back through netball is something really special.”
The HeartKids Cup is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for players, families, and supporters to make a real impact. Proceeds from the event are helping to fund vital family support services and advocacy efforts, ensuring heart kids and their families receive the care and support they need.