THE Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) is investing in junior netball with the establishment of a junior academy.
The academy will expand on the league’s representative netball program – also encompassing the development of junior umpires and coaches – which can then be transferred back to club level.
The program will incorporate visiting coaches to mentor the academy coaches and allow players to have access to a range of skill development.
An umpires’ co-ordinator will be appointed to work with academy umpires to prepare for tournaments.
Academy sessions will be opened up to clubs by engaging coaches and umpires to attend sessions; this will contribute to the increased skill development of players, coaches and umpires at club level.
In a statement, the league said a holistic approach would also be adopted through the introduction of sessions with a dietician for nutrition and preparing for tournaments, physiotherapy for injury prevention and recovery routines, and a therapist for mental health awareness.
“SFNL recognises that for the future of clubs and the competition it is important to have a focus on the development and support for junior players in both football and netball,” the statement read.
The academy squads will be selected in 11 and under, 13 and under, 15 and under and 17 and under age groups.
From these squads, representative teams will be selected to attend zone association championships and other tournaments.
An information session will be held for interested players and umpires at 6.30pm on January 22 in the Sierra Lounge of the Mildura Working Man’s Club.
