Some of the state’s best young netballers descended on Newcastle during the April school holidays for the Greater Bank-sponsored, 2021 Your Local Club Academy Games.
Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) was one of 12 regional sporting academies that took part in the multi-sport event, which provides young athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills and experience under the guidance and mentorship of more experienced athletes and coaches.
Torrential rain in the lead up to the tournament presented issues for the venue and took two courts out of action, forcing changes to the draw and playing conditions.
Netball Head Coach Jess Morgan and Development Coach Jessie-Ellen Standen were extremely impressed by the resilience displayed by the squad, quickly adapting to the shorter-format matches.
The CCAS Greater Bank Division One team came away with three wins and a draw, while the Division Two team recorded two wins.
More importantly for both teams though was the experience gained across the weekend, matched up against some of the state’s best young netballers.
Makenzee Ryan (Division One) and Gabrielle Nicholls (Division Two) were standouts in their respective teams across the weekend and were named the CCAS MVPs for the tournament.
The tournament also provided a great opportunity for CCAS Netball umpires Brianna Goldie, Amelia Carty and Jessica McGarvey to get some on the court and also develop their skills under the guidance of CCAS Head Umpires Coach, Abby Holloway.
The performances of all squad members across the weekend set a benchmark for the Academy Challenge to be held in Orange later this year.
Greater Bank’s sponsorship of 2021 Your Local Club Academy Games is an extension of our support of three regional academy netball programs - Central Coast Academy of Sport, Western Region Academy of Sport and Hunter Academy of Sport.