The 2023 National Netball Championships in Darwin may not be taking place until April, but the preparation for the NSW 17U and 19U Teams is already well underway.
After taking out both National titles in Tasmania earlier this year, the NSW sides will be looking to go back-to-back when they head to the Northern Territory.
First contested in 1985, the Nationals provide emerging talent from across the country the opportunity to represent their respective State or Territory and compete for national honours.
They are an important step in Netball Australia’s pathway, with many Australian Diamonds having previously represented their State or Territory in the event.
With Netball NSW naming both their 17U and 19U teams for 2023 last week, the weekend saw athletes, coaches and support staff come together for a State Team Camp at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park.
And with former NSW State players, and Australian Diamonds, Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts) and Amy Parmenter (Giants) on hand to share some knowledge, there was no shortage of expertise as the next generation of talent went about their business.
Saturday started with Kath Tetley, Executive General Manager of the NSW Swifts, giving the athletes a look into the pride and history about what it means to wear the Waratah at Nationals.
“The room was full of history, trophies, Golden Boots and photos from past and present athletes and coaches that have represented NSW,” Mardi Aplin, General Manager of Pathways at Netball NSW, said.
“We were lucky enough to have Paige Hadley, a Swifts legend, talk to the girls about her journey and some of her fondest memories wearing the Waratah and about being a role model both on and off the court.”
Aplin said the COVID disruption of the past few years meant a different approach to preparation was being taken heading into 2023.
“COVID made the teams have to work in silos in the past few years so we wanted to give the athletes from both teams time to bond together and build the NNSW culture as a full cohort,” she said.
“After some entertaining songs and poems made up from the athletes about the NSW values, they were treated to an interactive session from Noella Green from Shifting Health.
“To finish the day Amy Parmenter (Giants) and Molly Croft from the Tie Dye Project talked to the athletes and staff about their journey together and the reason they started the project.
“Amy also spoke about how important and privileged she was to wear the Waratah and represent NSW.
Thanks to the Kids Cancer project & the Tie Dye project all athletes and teams were able to get their hands dirty and tie dye their shirts to finish Day 1 off with lots of fun and laughs.
“On Day 2 we were back on court with some testing and working through the performance side of the campaign.
“It was fabulous to see all the athletes and coaching teams together, learning from each other and making friendships and bonds for life.
“It was the perfect start to our campaign and we are so excited to continue to work with these groups in 2023.”
