NETBALL AROUND THE WORLD

Botswana Netball is taking an important step forwards in development terms, with the announcement of a ten day performance coach and player development workshop, to be held in association with IFNA from 15-25 August 2010. Led by two international coaches – former England international Joanna Binns (right) and former TeamNorthumbria Superleague coach Anita Navin (left), the programme will support Botswana Netball Association (BONA) in developing a sustainable and self-sufficient Coach Education and Accreditation Structure, aligned to the African regional and International coaching programmes. In addition, it will support the Association in establishing a Talent Identification (TID) programme and pathway from 12 years of age to the open age group by means of a National Squad Support Programme. The workshop will coincide with a training camp for the BONA senior squad of 25 players, currently training for the African World Championships qualification competition, to be played in South Africa from 5-12 September 2010.

South African netballers also have reason to smile this week, with the news that SPAR SA is to extend its sponsorship of the game across the country for another three years. The new support agreement will be worth R14 million (approx $1.9m US) and includes grass roots development as well as support for South Africa’s international teams.

England has named its squad for the Commonwealth Games, with the experienced Karen Atkinson and Sonia Mkoloma (193 international caps between them) once again named as Co-Captains. The full England squad, which leaves for Delhi on 28 September, is: Karen Atkinson (co-captain), Sonia Mkoloma (co-captain), Pamela Cookey (vice captain), Sara Bayman, Eboni Beckford Chambers, Louisa Brownfield, Jade Clarke, Rachel Dunn, Stacey Francis, Jo Harten, Tamsin Greenway, Geva Mentor.

New Zealand’s Silver Ferns started their preparations for the defence of their Commonwealth Games title later this year with an impressive 92-28 win in Porirua last weekend. In her first international appearance, GA Grace Rasmussen impressed with 17 goals from 18 attempts to scoop the player of the match award.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Diamonds are currently 2-0 up on world number three Jamaica in the three test series being played between the two countries. After taking the first match 59-38 in Melbourne, Australia increased the pace and pressure to take the second test 69-42 in Sydney, despite fielding a changed line up, with Amy Steel making her international debut at GD. Plummer is hopeful that captain Sharelle McMahon (the only one of the Australian squad yet to take the court in this series, due to a thigh injury) will be fit for the final match on the Gold Coast on Sunday.