Sport
5 May, 2023
Netballers gear up for senior state titles in June
THE Kenfrost Homes Marlin Coast Netball Academy has chosen their representative team for the 2023 season, which will compete in Newcastle at the Hart senior state titles this June.
The Hart senior state titles will compete from June 9-12 in Newcastle, NSW, and the Marlins will join the competition as a nominated team.
Made up of local netball associations across FNQ, The Kenfrost Homes Marlin Coast Netball Academy is the breeding ground for young female netballers, helping to grow their abilities and connecting them to pathways into a future in netball.
A combination of past and new players, the 2023 Marlins team is made of 10 girls from Cairns, Mareeba and Innisfail, aged 14-17, chosen from a cohort of 25 players.
Marlin Coast Netball president Heather McLaren said the state titles were an educational opportunity for the Marlins.
“We grabbed the opportunity with both hands,” she said.
“Although the girls won’t be able to dispute the titles, this is a learning experience for them. They get to play other teams but also observe how other states play netball.
“It gives everybody an opportunity, especially the small associations, to travel away with their rep teams, and the girls get to play better players and grow.”
Ms McLaren said the 2023 Marlins would be the first team to travel postCOVID.
“Before COVID, we used to travel a lot more, going as far as Singapore,” she said.
“Everything is opening up again, and this year the Marlins have been invited to Newcastle and play the NSW championship.
“The objective of these events is to give the girls an extra within netball and see what they can achieve in the future.”
The Marlins will play for the first time as a team at the Kenfrost Homes premier and junior leagues in May and hold some training sessions before flying to Newcastle in June.
Ms McLaren said this was a big year for the Marlins and the academy, holding its biggest cohort ever.
“This year, we have got 100 girls, the largest group we’ve ever had,” Ms McLaren said.
“We started the program with 12 girls over 20 years ago, and now it’s grown to 100.
“Girls nowadays have a lot of choices in sport, but I would like to see them give a go to netball. Our skills can be carried on to other sports, so have a go. It’s a sport for everybody, so contact us.”
For more information, visit www.marlincoastnetball.com
