NETBALL AROUND THE WORLD: 31 DECEMBER 2009
Fiji could be touring New Zealand and Australia before the 2010 Pacific Cup, according to the country’s Netball Association President Milika Munivai, if funding can be arranged. The Pacific Cup will act as a qualifying round for the 2011 World Championships, and Munivai has committed the Association to ensuring that Fiji’s side, currently ranked ninth in the world, is as well prepared for the competition as possible. Trials for the national side will take place in January.
In the Solomon Islands, netball continues to develop, with seven teams from the Aro region – which includes six small villages – competing in a newly established tournament. Cash prizes will be offered to the winners, while the tournament will also provide an opportunity to extend awareness of healthcare messages among these more isolated communities.
Youngsters in central Trinidad were this week treated to a day of fun in an effort to unearth netball talent! In an initiative from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the “Women Uniting in Netball” programme was held at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Auditorium. Players from six schools and community teams from the Caroni district, aged 7-17, took part in a day of skills and development work, with several identified to take part in the forthcoming Trinidad and Tobago U16 trials. Green Marines won the senior competition held during the day, while the junior title went to Couva West, a community team. Members of the Trinidad and Tobago U21 side which recently completed a successful tour to Curacao also attended the event.
Netball Australia’s junior development programme, San Remo NetSetGO!, has featured in the 2009 Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards. Inside Sport journalist Travis Cranley took out “Best Journalism on Community Sport” for his article "Kiddie Wars" which compared junior sports development programmes.
Severe winter weather forced the postponement of the eagerly awaited English Superleague fixture between Loughborough Lightning and reigning champions TeamBath in the week before Christmas. The match will be rescheduled for the new year. Meanwhile, Surrey Storm, Mavericks and Leeds Carnegie are tied at the top of the table with two wins apiece. Oldham leads Academy by one point in the national clubs Premier 1 competition.
It has been announced that the Singaport Superleague will expand to seven teams in 2010. The competition, which starts in March, will feature three new teams – Bedok BB, Nike and Sneakers – as well as the Singapore U21 side, Malaysian national team and two sides comprised of players selected at trials which will be held in January. The Grand Final for the competition is scheduled to take place on 18 May.
Very best wishes for a peaceful and successful 2010 to all our members and supporters from everyone at IFNA! Happy New Year!
ENDS