The eyes of the international Netball world are set to be focussed on Liverpool for the first time when the England meet Austrialia at the Echo Arena.
In the build up to Friday's Co-operative International Netball Series match, Northern Thunder and England stars Sara Bayman and Jade Clarke put youngsters through their paces in a two-day netball training camp.
More than 70 young netball enthusiasts from the region visited the Sutton Sports Centre in St Helens on Monday and Tuesday.
Paul Shacklady, Chairperson of St Helens Capricorns Netball Club said: “We were so pleased to host such a worthwhile event.
We had 25 of our own girls from Capricorns at the camp and hopefully those girls who hadn’t yet signed up will come and join us in the future.
"It’s rare to see grassroots and top netballers playing together under one roof, and this training camp demonstrates the talent pathway England Netball is creating.”
England netballers Sara and Jade were both blown away with the response of the young participants.
Sara said: "It’s been a great two days. The children are so excited and really keen to learn. We’ve been helping with general ball handling skills and drills and giving the young players some supportive tips to help with their technique and style.”
Coaching the 70 young netball enthusiasts was Northern Thunders Head Coach Mike Greenwood, he commented: “It’s not often netballers at grassroots level get to see Northern Thunder up close, let alone players from the England squad so it’s been an invaluable experience for them.
"We hope that training events like this one will give young players the encouragement they need to succeed in netball and continue to play once they’ve left school.”
Sara continued: “It’s been a pleasure taking part at the training event in Liverpool and we’re hoping to see all the young netballers at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Friday night (19th) to cheer England on. It’s been a bit crazy here so if the kids are anywhere near as excited on Friday as they have been today, Australia won’t know what’s hit them! It’s sure to be a great atmosphere and we’re ready to give it our all.”
Liverpool Lord Mayor Councillor Mike Storey commented on the up-and-coming international game.
He said: "I’m delighted that Liverpool is hosting its first ever Co-operative International Netball Series against Australia and it is hoped that this will be the first of many. 2010 is Liverpool’s Year of Health and Wellbeing so events such as this fit in perfectly with our themed year.”
England last played against Australia in October 2009 so the build up to the International this weekend has been immense. Australia remain ranked first in the world, England remain third. New Zealand continues to hold second place in the world rankings and Jamaica fourth.
ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA DATES AND TICKET INFO
19th February 2010
ECHO ARENA LIVERPOOL
Tel: 0844 8000 400
19:00
21st February 2010
TRENT FM ARENA NOTTINGHAM
Tel: 08444 124 624
16:30
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