Every year more than 180 Victorian associations and leagues take up the opportunity to compete at Netball Victoria’s Association Championships. It’s a crucial step in the netball pathway, with opportunities for athletes, umpires, and coaches to be talent identified on the day.
This year, the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL) is entering teams in the junior division for the very first time.
With a focus on growing their representative program, Administration and Netball Manager Delwyn Berry credits the championships as one key way the league’s players can be recognised for their talent.
“We could have many hidden gems that could be going unnoticed,” she said.
The championships are attended by talent identification (TID) scouts, who rarely get the chance to observe so many up-and-coming players under one roof. 70 per cent of the current Talent Academy members were talent identified at Association Championships; an important statistic which has influenced how Delwyn and the team at NFNL have designed their program.
“We have started our rep program this year based on the growth of the junior competition and the number of junior players that are playing in our senior competition, and to offer them a representative program that is going to play only at Association Championships.”
This focused vision in the representative program allows the players to have the chance to be talent identified, while still giving them the flexibility to pursue work, study, or other sports. For NFNL, it’s imperative that the league can support their athletes in their pursuit of high performance.
One way NFNL’s representative program sets itself apart is the focus on sporting life beyond the court. Court and gym training is supported by education sessions which are presented by partners like the Pat Cronin Foundation, helping players evolve and grow as a unit.
“Our program will offer players the chance to play with other like-minded players in our league and the opportunity to become a better player and person on and off the court,” Delwyn said.
For the coaches and players involved in this new enterprise, the enthusiasm and positivity are infectious. A coach for over 25 years, NFNL coach Brooke George is looking forward fostering the next generation of netball talent at Association Championships.
“This is one of the premier events on the netball calendar,” she said.
“The standard of netball is fantastic and leagues and associations across the state really build their teams up to play in this tournament.”
Armed with an extensive coaching repertoire, including seasons with North East Blaze and Ariels in the Victorian Netball League, Brooke is passionate about guiding and developing young players so they can achieve their full potential.
“The tournament provides an opportunity for players within our league to be exposed to a high performance environment and practises,” she said.
“We can’t wait to be involved in the tournament in 2023 and look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
From junior levels to open divisions, every athlete also has a chance to take their game to the next level. Associations and Leagues from across the state descend on the State Netball Centre for the finals, ensuring players can compete against new and challenging opponents.
Brooklyn Fonua, a centre and wing attack for the NFNL 17/U team, is relishing the opportunity.
“What I’m really excited about is playing at a higher level and playing with people I haven’t played with before. It also gives me the chance to learn from new coaches and learn new training strategies along the way,” she said.
Fellow NFNL athlete Sarah Thorpe is also looking forward to representing the league in the Open division. Joining the NFNL in 2016, Sarah enjoys the health benefits of playing netball, but is also excited at the prospect of higher level competition.
“I haven’t really played in a tournament like this before, this is my first experience… after hearing more about it, I’m super excited!” she said.
“Being able to represent the league, getting to know different players from other clubs in the NFNL and playing against different talents across other leagues is what I’m most excited about.”
Association Championships is the first step in the Victorian netball pathway for players, coaches, umpires and officials. It’s not too late to get your league or association involved!
Associations and leagues can register teams for the 2023 Association Championships via Netball Connect – registrations close Friday 28 April.
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