With Netball NSW’s 2024 HART Senior State Titles on the horizon, there are many teams seeking victory on the court.
One of these teams is a brand new squad from the Ballina Netball Association (BNA), better known as the Ballina Boys.
This is the first time BNA is entering a boys team, and they are giving this team their utmost support and faith heading into the upcoming competition. Their road to this milestone has not been easy, but has been boosted by recent opportunities to take their game to the next level.
“In Ballina, there weren’t even boys in cadets until about three years ago. There weren’t really any competitive ways for boys to play netball up here, but very recently we’ve started playing in competitions, and now we have 8 boys to take to Sydney.” – Team member Max Whittaker on the recent opportunities which have paved their pathway to the HART Senior State Titles.
The boys initially found it difficult to find other boys teams to compete against, playing instead in the Open’s competition and against under 17’s girls. In these environments they have discovered their team strengths of height, speed and an overall chemistry shaped by strong friendships within the squad.
In preparation for the competition, the Ballina Boys have played regional carnivals, and have been doing strength training on Monday to enhance their fitness levels. With this preparation under their belt, head coach Lucas has his sights set on a successful tournament ahead.
“This is a new experience for all of us, and we’ve had a few challenges to overcome, just with getting everyone together… But the goal now for us is to be really competitive, because we’ve started to play a really nice brand of netball.” – Coach Lucas’ words on the boys’ progress.
With the 2024 HART Senior State Titles being the first competition of this level for many of the boys, they were keen to share their advice for any other young men out there who are interested in Netball, but are struggling to take that first step.
- “Just get out there and have fun, and just do it.”
- “Just take those first steps by getting involved in your local netball club and participate.”
- “If you’ve got a dream, you can make it happen. Just keep trying.”
Julie Davies, president of BNA, shared her strong gratitude for the parents of the association, and also sponsors Coolman Air-conditioning and Road Hire for their support of the boys leading into the competition.
“This has been an amazing journey for the team and also for Ballina Netball as an association. All our representative players have really embraced the team, and are super proud of the boys’ commitment.” – Davies on BNA’s excitement and pride in their boys team.
HART Senior State Titles takes place this weekend (8th – 10th June) with 225 teams competing across both Camden & District Netball Association and Campbelltown Netball Association.
