Youngsters to represent NW

Some of Broome’s finest young netballers have begun preparations to represent WA’s North West.

After a try-out process that included scouting at the Netball WA North West Championships in June and a try-out in Port Hedland in July, the girls will make up two under- 16s and under-14s teams and play alongside girls from Kununurra, Port Hedland, Karratha, Tom Price and Newman.

They will compete against netballers from all over WA in the 2019 State Cup in Perth from October 11-13.

In the under-16s teams will be Katie Billingham, Angelica D’Anna, Lexi Fox, Skye Healy, Paris Millar, Tarni Payne, Bonnie Varga, Abbie Virgo, and Matilda Wadge, while Chloe Barclay, Sara Davies, Lehahni Dolby, Stevi Evans and Freja Gorring will join the under-14s teams.

Joined by a number of their talented teammates, the group will be put through their paces in the Broome Netball Association’s Talent Development program.

BNA Talent squad co-ordinator Trenna Wadge said their selection for the State Cup would help the girls on a pathway to play netball professionally via Netball WA. “The pathway started at the North West Championships, where there were a number of Netball WA staff scouting talent,” she said.

“Those that were picked were then invited to a camp in Port Hedland, and that was when the squads were selected.

“From there they could go on to represent WA in other tournaments and maybe some day play for the Diamonds.

“The sky is the limit for these girls.” Mrs Wadge said the fact a total of 13 girls had been selected for the State Cup said a lot about not only their dedication and hard work, but that of their coaches and volunteers in BNA as well.

“If it weren’t for the amazing coaches and volunteers we have here in BNA and their dedication towards putting the girls on the right pathways, they wouldn’t be where they are today,” she said.

“It really is a testament to how a community helps build up our local athletes.

“More than half of this group of girls also give back to BNA in some way, whether it’s through umpiring or coaching younger grades.

“It really sets us up for the future, and it’s a win-win for everyone.

“We also hope that these girls will help inspire those in under- 12s and younger age groups to be like them and work hard towards their netball as well.”

The BNA Talent squad will train weekly for the next six weeks until those selected for State Cup travel to Perth.