Top line players and big partnerships will headline a bumper 2015 season for the Gunnedah Netball Association (GNA) in the coming months.
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Just this week, the association confirmed it will host a netball clinic with NSW Swifts players Susan Pettitt (nee Pratley) and Abbey McCulloch.
Pettitt is a former Australian representative and 2006 Commonwealth Games silver medalist who in March celebrated her 100th ANZ Championship state match.
McCulloch is a 25-year-old wing defence and centre who debuted for the Queensland Firebirds in 2013 before returning to her home state where she recently assumed the co-vice captain role at the Swifts.
In addition to the Swifts visit, Gunnedah will also host an ANZ NetSetGo coaching clinic with a star appearance by Australian Diamonds squad member and Queensland Firebirds player, Kim Ravaillion.
More than 1000 entries from across Australia were received for the ANZ Netball Nation’s NetSetGo funding scheme.
The program is aimed at players aged 5-10 years to help develop a positive introduction and ensure continued participation in the sport.
Kids will be involved in skill activities, minor games, music, dance and modified matches.
GNA spokeswoman Jackie Small said the opportunity to host players of their calibre in Gunnedah will be an immense boost for local players.
“It’s not every year you get something like this,” Jackie said.
“Hopefully it spurs the kids on in their netball.”
If that wasn’t enough, the association was also presented with more than $1000 in sponsorship, netball gear and bank starter packs recently thanks to the Greater Building Society.
All this is on top of booming numbers in the association’s junior playing ranks.
Almost 60 youngsters have registered in the 10-and-under years, NetSetGo age group alone.
The Swifts players will be on hand to offer advice for 6-14 years players on Saturday, July 18 at Gunnedah’s Judi Guest Basketball Stadium from 3.30-5.30pm. More details on this visit will be advised soon.
The date for Ravaillion’s visit to Gunnedah is yet to be confirmed.