Student netballers enjoy introduction to Netball NSW Schools Cup

YOUNG netball hopefuls took to the Raymond Terrace courts last Friday to participate in a Netball NSW Schools Cup introductory mini carnival.

The event was hosted by Port Stephens Netball Association and brought the excitement of netball to primary students in a fun, inclusive and high energy setting.

A total of 350 Year 3 and 4 pupils from 20 local schools braved the chilly and wet conditions for a full day of skill building and team work – learning the finer points of the game in a non-competitive atmosphere.

For many of the 33 teams, it was a fun start to their Schools Cup netball journey, which features structured gameplay and the chance to represent their school.

Netball NSW Hunter Central Coast Regional Co-ordinator Kirsten Clarke told News Of The Area that the Netball Schools Cup is designed to provide NSW Primary and Secondary School students “with an opportunity to enjoy netball in an inclusive and fun environment.”

“It allows school aged participants with the opportunity to engage in an elevated netball experience through purposefully thought out activations and game play” she said.

Participating on the day were St Michael’s Primary Nelson Bay, St Brigids Primary Raymond Terrace, Wirreanda Public School Medowie, Grahamstown Public School, Irrawang Public School Raymond Terrace, Fern Bay Public School, Thornton Public School, Dungog Public School, Karuah Public School, Kurri Kurri Public School, Lochinvar Public School, Metford Public School, Rutherford Public School, St Peter’s Primary Stockton, St Paul’s Primary Rutherford, Tea Gardens Public School, Telarah Public School, Tenambit Public School, Vacy Public School and Woodberry Public School.

Students in Years 5 & 6 will return to the courts for competitive Schools Cup action on Thursday 31 July with regional finals taking place in Maitland on 12 September.

Bringing the event to life were the incredible volunteers from Port Stephens Netball Association.

By Chris KARAS