The Hunter Academy of Sport’s 2023 netball squad has been assembled and all eyes are set on another successful season on the court.
The squad of 31 players and nine umpires will not only train together over the coming months but also participate in two Academy tournaments.
Greater Bank is also returning this season, now into our eighth season as major sponsor of the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Netball program.
Since coming together in February under the guidance of Head Coaches Jade Nicoll and Kirstie Fuller, the athletes have taken part in a series of fitness tests, been put through their paces on the court and worked through the fundamentals of the sport.
Hunter Academy of Sport CEO, Brett O'Farrell, said this year’s squad was a good mix of new and returning squad members, and have already shown great progress through their early sessions.
“The Hunter Academy of Sport netball program provides the best young athletes from across the region with the opportunity to train and compete at an elite level with the aim of preparing them for higher honours in their career,” Brett said.
“The coaching staff has assembled not only a very talented squad, but through the early stages of this year’s program they have also displayed a great work ethic and plenty of enthusiasm when it comes to their training.
“Fitness and skill development will be the focus of the first training block which no doubt will reap rewards when they take the court at the Academy Games in April.”
Following the Your Local Club Academy Games, the squad will break as players head back to their respective association to prepare for the State Titles to be held in June. They will then resume training in July before travelling to Port Macquarie in September where they will compete against 10 other Regional Academies of Sport from across the state in the Greater Bank Academy Challenge.
Also returning this season is Greater Bank, who are now into their eighth season as major sponsor of the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Netball program.
Chief Distribution Officer – Greater Bank, Emma Brokate, said they are delighted to continue its support of netball in the Hunter Region.
“Greater Bank has been a long-time supporter of grassroots netball across regional NSW and we are delighted to continue to extend this support through our ongoing partnership with the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Netball program,” Ms Brokate said.
“This partnership not only provides financial support for the program, but we will also be conducting financial literacy education sessions in association with the University of Newcastle that will assist the athletes in their personal development off the court.”
Along with the Hunter Academy of Sport, Greater Bank is also the major sponsor of the Western Region and Central Coast Academies of Sport netball programs.
The 2023 Squad is: Athletes Program - Harriette Arnall, Halle Clemente, Mya Foster, Sienna Porter, Maddison Ridgeway, Ruby Swain (Callaghan), Olivia Cullen, Ella Smith (Charlestown), Emma Cooke (Great Lakes), Ellora Greirson, Charlie Griffiths, Amelia Ockerby, Sofia Pirillo (Lakeside), Evie Manning, Ellie Stacey (Maitland), Paiton Cook, Acacia Elers, Xuela Faasisila, Layla Fearnley, Sarah Graham, Eden Hilder, Emmy Jensen, Lana Kaal, Elle Kaluski, Matilda Lidbury, Mia Marshall, Matilda Percival, Sienna Porter, Maddison Ridgeway, Ella Tupou (Newcastle), Taylah Belcher (Metro League). Umpire Program - Kirra Pilarski (Callaghan), Ella Young (Charlestown), Ally Miller, Mackenzie Winn (Lakeside), Bethany Knight, Abigail Mackaway (Maitland), Yasmin Alexander, Zaara Alexander, Ella Sames (Newcastle). Head Coaches: Jade Nicoll and Kirstie Fuller. Manager: Kiona Sunerton.
Click here to find out more about our netball partnerships.