The Central Coast’s brightest young netballers are set to take their game to a new level this year after gaining selection in the Central Coast Academy of Sport Greater Bank Netball Program.
The 2021 program was launched in late January when the 22-member squad assembled for the first time at Mingara Recreation Club to undergo testing and program orientation.
The Academy’s netball talent development program exposes young athletes from across the Central Coast to a world-class standard of training and tutelage without the need to uproot them from home and make them travel to a metropolitan centre.
It also plays a vital role in the Netball NSW Athlete Pathway by identifying, monitoring and developing the skills of young netballers. The program will consist of on court skills training, fitness and athlete education as per the Netball Australia Develop a Diamond program.
Head Coach of the CCAS Greater Bank Netball Program, Jessica Morgan, was delighted to see the new and returning netball squad members, particularly after the 2020 season was disrupted due to COVID.
“Looking around the room, it was clear that we are in for an exciting year ahead. We have some exceptional talent coming through the ranks and the coaches are eager to get out on court in the coming weeks to start training,” Jessica said.
“I’m looking forward to watching the squad develop their skills over the course of the program and showcase their talent at Academy Games.”
The 2021 Your Local Club Academy Games are to be held in Newcastle in April. Later in the year the squad will also travel to Orange for the Greater Bank Academy Challenge where they will compete against 10 other Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) from across the state.
The 2021 Central Coast Academy of Sport Greater Bank Netball Squad Members:
Tamika Bailey, Shanae Borthwick, Taylah Clark, Kandi Cousins, Jade Downs, Tenaya Emery, Ella Flaus, June Foini, Jayda Grant, Ellouise Ham, Ella Jessen, Libby Johnston, Ellie Mccaughan, Eden Mungovan, Chantelle Therese Napier, Charlotte Neal, Imogen Pink, Allie Reid, Makenzee Ryan, Paige Uzelac, Madysen van Kints, Shayla Walker
Greater Bank will once again take on the major sponsorship of the netball program, continuing its long-standing association with the Central Coast Academy of Sport. Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Matt Hingston, said the partnership is about more than just providing a financial benefit to the Academy and athletes.
“Supporting the communities that support us is the foundation Greater Bank has been built on. Now more than ever we are thrilled to assist this talented group of athletes as they continue to work towards their sporting goals following the disruptions to the program we’ve seen over the past 12 months,” Matt said.
“Our partnership will provide more than funding to help offset the program costs for the athletes. This year we are looking to again provide the athletes with financial literacy education sessions in association with the University of Newcastle, which will assist in their personal development both on and off the court.”