The 2021 Academy Games were hosted by the Hunter Academy of Sport in mid-April and despite a wet weekend and the challenge of leaky courts, spirits could not be dampened.
Regional Academy athletes, umpire athletes and coaches travelled from all corners of NSW to Maitland for the 2021 Your Local Club Academy Games.
At the Academy Games, wins and losses are not the focus. It is all about individual growth, and despite there being no trophy, athletes showed great pride in their Academy and a willingness to challenge their fears and take a risk out on court. Netball NSW performance selectors were impressed at the depth of talent and passion on display.
Coaches from each Academy had the opportunity to be mentored and challenged to reflect on their coaching practice by Netball NSW Coach mentors, Anita Keelan, Maria Lynch, Colleen Mitchell, Amber Cross and Mardi Aplin.
Umpire athletes stepped up to the challenge of tournament umpiring. For many this was their first experience on the big stage and Netball NSW umpire coaches Lauren Hill and Kylie Mulcare were on hand to guide, support and challenge our up-and-coming umpires.
The 2021 Academy Games was marked by a spirit of fun and a collective desire to Enjoy the Challenge.
Netball NSW would like to extend their special congratulations to:
Most Valuable Players from each team:
Div 1: Mia Blackett (NCAS), Eliza English (WRAS), Makenzee Ryan (CCAS), Tess Henley (SSA), Charlee Belcher (HAS), Gabby Eaton (IAS), Isabella Degei (WSAS), Lilyana Talanoa (SWSAS), Bria Wineti (NIAS), Marae Moeke (SNA), Bella Lieberman (SNA)
Div 2: Cassidy Pieren (NCAS), Taliyaha Chatfield (WRAS), Gabrielle Nicholls (CCAS), Tahlia Quinn (SSA), Paulini-Fi Davis Dates (HAS), Haley Manning (IAS), Olivia Harris (WSAS), Eliana Sapone (SWSAS), Tamee Ingram (NIAS), Claire Robinson, (SESA), Araiterangi Karaitiana (FWAS)
Umpires who were successfully badged:
National B: Heidi Walton – (IAS) Jacinta Tui – (WSAS), Kimberley Clement – (HAS)
National C: Emily Milton – (HAS), Brianna Goldie – (CCAS), Chelsea Sutton – (WSAS), Poppy Calder – (IAS), Molly Farquhar – (IAS)
Breakthrough Umpire Award - Zara Morris - (NCAS)
