Netball coaches from across the region were given some tips on the game during a special mentoring program at Flora Hill Stadium. Richelle McKenzie and Robyne Dawson are state league coaches with plenty of experience and they were keen to pass on their knowledge to the group of coaches now participating in the Regional State League competition played each Wednesday evening. For Robyne Dawson it was an opportune time to talk to the coaches as a group and then later watch them in action as their teams took to the court. “We have looked at the skills of the coaches and how they use their bench and what feedback they give their players during the match,” Robyne said. “By stepping up to coach at the State League level these coaches and their players are getting strong competition on a weekly basis.” They are also experiencing a new level of referees and officialdom. Both the visiting coaches agree that the academy system now in place across Victoria is now producing great results. They say netball is a great product and our young people now have more options to play sport and they are also at a young age where there is plenty of competition. This is coming from basketball and soccer and so netball will have to ensure that they run good competitions and assist the coaches. Richelle McKenzie said she is impressed with the development of the game and the Regional State League concept now in its second year here in Bendigo is producing a high standard of competition. “The coaches out here in the country are doing a great job,” Richelle said. “This is reflected by the number of young players from regional areas who are coming through and making state teams.. “The skill level of our top 100 young players trying out for a state junior team is now probably showing better skill levels than a similar number of players trying to get in to a junior squad about five years ago,” Richelle said. The experienced duo say our young players of the future have only to look up to other country-raised players such as Sharelle McMahon, Rebecca Bully, Caitlin Thwaites and Julie Prendergast to see what can be achieved with a strong work ethic at junior level.
