The College was the venue for a memorable day of netball action today as star players took to the court with more than 80 excited youngsters from visiting schools. 

Run as part of the College Service programme, Silver Ferns Grace Rasmussen, Maria Tutaia, Catherine Tuivaiti and former Fern, Leana de Bruin, conducted a special training camp for budding netballers. Among those receiving the expert coaching were the Saint Kentigern Year 7 Mystics team along with visiting local schools Glen Innes School, Elim College, Ruapotoka School, Riverhills School, Bayfield School and Glen Taylor School. There was also a van load of girls who made the trip from Tamaranui to join in! The initiative was organised to provide a chance for the young players to improve their netball skills, raise the profile of netball at the respective schools and promote sport and fitness in general. 

Auckland Secondary School Netball Champions, our own Premier Netball team, were also on hand and organised a warm up session for all the girls before the Silver Ferns put small groups through their paces in a number of drills. 

Leana De Bruin showed how to evade a defender, Grace Rasmussen demonstrated attacking skills, Maria Tutaia worked on shooting while Catherine Tuivaiti encouraged the use of different passes. Fellow Silver Fern, Kayla Cullen was unable to attend and so Georgia Ropati, the captain of our Premier team, stepped in and confidently worked with groups on straight and square movement on court. Other team members were also on hand to help out with the training exercises. 

Over lunch, the girls got to chat with the Ferns and ask questions about how to become an ANZ Championship or international player. 

We are sincerely grateful to Netball New Zealand and their sponsors, New World and BLK apparel, and the Silver Ferns for giving their time. The day was a highlight for the students and definitely encouraged their netball ambitions! 

A big thank you also to Steve Farrelly from Breakfast Club for organising this event and Gattings Catering for lunch.