MEET the aspiring young netballers in the Port Stephens Netball Association (PSNA) 11 years Development squad that have impressed keen judges with their natural exuberance, effective team work and polished court craft.

The promising line up have produced encouraging displays at their first-ever carnivals under the guidance of leading PSNA coach Sue Coulter and manager Jean Simpson.

Port Stephens Netball Association President Jodi Cassar told News Of The Area, “The 11s had a really successful day at Westlakes, taking their training and applying it on the court.

“Once they shook the nerves from game one their game two performance was really strong and the combinations just worked.

“These days are an opportunity for the netballers to get on the court and to put into practice their skills, and the second half of the day was really positive for the girls coming away with a few wins too.”

At their maiden carnival, hosted by Westlakes Netball Association last month, the girls registered three victories and remained competitive during the day’s event.

The girls were able to put into action some of their learnings from the annual Aspire Development Day in early March, led by former Australia Fast 5 netball captain and former Giants Netball team member and local Hunter athlete Sam Poolman and her Aspire Program team.

The PSNA 11 Years Development Squad includes Asha Anderson, Matilda Blundell, Charleise Chivers, Pippa Conville, Phoebe Cooper, Mackenzie Fellows, Mia Johnson, Indi-Rose Macklin, Maalaa McLennon, Ellie Newton, Sage Rowbottom, Aleah Semeniuk, Macy Skehan and Isla Walton.

It was a unique opportunity for the girls to receive expert coaching from the legendary Newcastle goalkeeper and to enhance their netball skills.

Poolman, an elite netballer who grew up in the Hunter region,tasted success with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Giants before identifying a pathway gap for young girls wanting to turn their sporting passion into something more.

Aspire Development is targeted for players between eleven and fifteen years of age and is a program that focuses on the importance of skill development, injury prevention, education on landing technique, warm up and cool down education, attack, defence and creating thinking athletes through game sense.

The PSNA 11 years Development squad will continue to participate in representative carnivals over the 2023 representative season.

By Chris KARAS