Seniors netballers and hockey players from The Armidale School (TAS) will be getting inspiration from their respective national teams when they play against three leading schools in New Zealand in coming days as part of an inaugural trans-Tasman tour.
Three netball games and a hockey match will each be played against Wakitapu High School, Queenstown on 3 July, St Margaret’s College Christchurch on 7 July and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, also in Christchurch, on 10 July.
Professional development includes a celebrity breakfast and coaching tips from a number of high-profile players including national representatives Erikana Pederson and Anna Willocks, who play for the Silver Ferns and Black Sticks respectively.
“Having this time to train and play in teams of mixed ability will allow us to all grow and develop as netballers. It will be a great opportunity for our younger girls to play with the older and more experienced girls, which in turn will strengthen an ever-growing TAS netball program,” said Netball Captain Ruby Hyland.
“The challenge of some strong competition from the New Zealand schools will really build on our skills which we can bring back, and I’m sure this will be a wonderful experience for TAS girls for many years to come.”
Hockey Captain Ali Nivison agrees.
“We are all very excited to have the experience to learn and develop our hockey skills as a part of a team. To be able to have the opportunity to visit another country together while learning new things from professional coaches is a very special experience that we will never forget.”
It won’t all be work; downtime activities for the touring squad of 39 girls and four staff include a shotover jet ski adventure, the Queenstown Skyline, a visit to Lake Tekapo Hot Springs, go karting, a Christchurch harbour cruise and visit to the International Antarctic Centre.
The tour is expected to become a biennial event, alternating with a long-standing rugby development tour for senior boys.
The girls say while they expect the standard will be high, they will be drawing on the spirit of the Australian women’s netball team the Diamonds, and the national Hockeyroos.
The Diamonds are the holders of the Constellation Cup after defeating the New Zealand Ferns last year, while the Hockeyroos outplayed the Black Sticks to win the Oceania Cup and have set themselves as
firm favourites for an Olympic medal.
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