Hunter Academy of Sports netball program will see 23 Newcastle Netball Association players selected out of the 48 member squad.

The netball program exposes young athletes from across the broader Hunter Region to a world-class standard of training without travelling to a metropolitan centre. 

The Newcastle-based members of the Hunter Academy of Sport’s 2021 Netball Program – (L to R Back) Aela Streatfield, Jaylah Boney, Acacia Elers, Caitlin Dale, Elle Kaluski, Ella Smith (L to R Middle) Xanthe Rheinberger, Alice Elliot, Chloe Cook, Eve Keeling (L to R Front) Chloe Skinner (Umpire), Olivia Cullen, Carrie Lind.

All members aged 14 to 17 recently came together at the Hunter Academy of Sport’s orientation day at Hunter Valley Grammar School.

They were introduced to the coaches and presented with uniforms by a national netball league representative, Sam Poolman.

Continuing its long-standing relationship with the Hunter Academy of Sport, Greater Bank will be the netball program’s primary sponsor.

Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Matt Hingston, said the partnership provided a financial benefit to the young athletes and supported the local community.

“Greater Bank is proud to continue our support of the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Netball Program, which stems from a relationship that spans over two decades,” Hingston said. 

“Now more than ever, we are thrilled to be able to assist this talented home-grown group of athletes as they continue to work towards their sporting goals following the major, yet necessary, disruptions we’ve seen over the past 12 months.

“This year, we are looking to again provide the athletes with financial literacy education sessions to the athletes in association with the University of Newcastle, which will assist in their personal development both on and off the court.”

The Hunter Academy of Sports netball program also plays a vital role in the Netball NSW Athlete Pathway, which monitors and develops young netballers’ skills.

The squad will be training weekly in the lead up to the NSW State Titles in June, focusing on Netball Australia’s Develop a Diamond program in court skills, fitness and athlete education.

In April, the squad will represent the Hunter at the 2021 Your Local Club Academy Games and then later in the year will travel to Orange for the Greater Bank Academy Challenge.

Information Source: Media Release, Feb 23, Karris Communications & Hunter Academy of Sport