It was a big weekend of netball on the Central Coast (9 & 10 April) providing the IAS netball squad an opportunity to apply their skills against the State’s other 12 Regional Academies of sport and their up-and-coming netballers. IAS contested in two Divisions at Niagara Park Community Centre and Central Coast Grammar School. The purpose of the weekend is to provide young emerging talented netballers and umpires with the opportunity to take part in a nine game competition giving them first-hand insights into the skills, knowledge and personal attributes needed to develop in an elite sporting environment. The IAS coaching squad took a new approach to the ‘friendly games’ dividing both teams evenly, this provision allowed both the experienced and new squad members opportunity to share and collectively develop both individual and team performances. Division 1 had a physical tournament winning 2 from their 9 hard fought matches. Highlight of their competition was the showstopper game against SWAS, going down by 1 point. Division 2 finished their competition with a promising result of 5 from 8 matches. Head Coach Marji Parr acknowledges each team having challenges; however achieving new combinations, both teams working collectively to improve their work rates and increased individual performances were the successes of the 2016 Academy Games. Two merit teams were also selected at the 2016 ClubsNSW Academy Games. Congratulations to first year scholarship holder Stephanie Lockett (Division 1) and returning scholarship holder and team Captain Tara Malley (Division 2) for their strong performances over the demanding weekend.
