We saw off the end of another netball season this year with a bang, throwing an anniversary ball to celebrate 25 years of netball at the club - quite an achievement! It was a fantastic event with prizes galore and all proceeds going to the Hong Kong Cancer Society. Special thanks to the sub-committee for their work in getting things organised and to Sarah Chillington and Anne-Marie Kearns for their dedication to the event. Watch this space for photos from the night!!

Two teams made it through to semi finals this season with Black Magic in division 1 and Dragons in divisions 2. Unfortunately those hard fought games marked the end of the road with Black Magic being defeated by Valley Panthers (49-30) and Dragons by HKFC Whirlwinds (25-23). Congratulations for getting that far ladies, better luck next season!!

Planning for the 2009-10 season is already under way. Trials will start on Monday the 24th August at South Island School - pencil the date in your diaries ladies!

The netball season in Hong Kong runs from August through to April. All matches are played on Monday evenings at various venues including the, Aberdeen Indoor & Outdoor Courts, Hong Kong Football Club and Western Park. HKCC trainings are held on Wednesday nights at South Island School.

NEW PLAYERS INTERESTED IN JOINING THE HKCC PLEASE CLICK HERE!

From the Convenor And so..... ...... on to next season...

The 2009/10 season is behind us; it is time to look to the future and plan for the next one! With the results of this year pushing us on, we will strive for even better next year with all those trophies squarely in our sights.

The HKNA AGM is just on the horizon to set the league scene for next year but, as for us, we are marching on with the plans.

Training will be down the road at South Island School on a Wednesday from 7.00p.m. to 9.30p.m. The results of our survey show that the vast majority of you would prefer short, split training, so we will be running 2 sessions: one from 7.00p.m. to 8.15p.m., the other from 8.15pm to 9.30 pm. Teams will swap on a month by month basis.

The additional, specialized team training in the Sports Hall at the Club on a Tuesday will continue, as that was highly regarded. Each team will be allocated one week each half season.

Our illustrious coaching team will hopefully remain the same but, unfortunately, we are losing two of our committee members. Anne-Marie heads off to New York in a mere couple of weeks and Leesa is looking to take on the unenviable role of League Secretary for the HKNA. A role that mere mortals can't contemplate as Alex will testify. We wish both of them well.

Have no fear though, we have some budding committee-ites in our sights so all of you avoiding me round the pool need to do so no longer! An announcement on your new committee will come soon!

Lastly, for now, the trial dates are set and shown in the poster across page. Please encourage any budding netballers you know to come along. Mark your own diaries too as all previous netballers are expected to attend.

Have a great summer one and all. Eat well, rest well and train well ! HKCC needs to take to the court at a run!!!

Sarah

Netball Open Trials

On 8th and 9th May 2010, The Hong Kong Netball Association began trials that would result in a selection of netballers to create an active Open squad that would continuously train towards international tournaments. Their plan is to have a squad of approximately 25 players, from which National teams can be selected for relevant tournaments, as and when the opportunities arise. The aim is to also train a larger squad over a two year period in the hope of development of both players' level of standard and also the opportunity for Hong Kong to have a wider pool of talent to select from within. By developing the squad now, it is hoped that all players would qualify for this international tournament by 2013.

As a player from HKCC Division 2, I was anxious about attending as I was sure there would be players of such high calibre and standard. It was reassuring to find that the drills and warm ups were routine, the trialists were supportive and the coaches were approachable. It was very refreshing to play against a different set of people, as it increased my concentration, focus and game. It also provided me with a lot of fresh and new challenges. The squad is not only open to first division players of the HKNA Ladies league. It is open to anyone who has the capabilities to qualify, with skill and commitment.

zThe previous national team were given an open invitation to be members of this squad which inspired me to start maintaining a good level of fitness as well! After playing a number of positions and working up a sweat, we were told that we were successful and that training would start from June every Tuesday. It was a great day and I am looking forward to an exciting and progressive two years to come.

Sian Brazendale - Captain Dragons

The excitement on the children's faces as they learn the skills of Netball is very rewarding. As each season goes by, Nettas has grown from strength to strength. Once more, we are having a very successful season with over 40 children taking part in the different groups. The children are between the ages of 6 years to 12 years. It is great to see so many enjoying the sport.

In the groups, we cater for varying levels of ability, we provide equal encouragement to participate, acquire the skills and develop confidence. Emphasis is on the acquisition of the basic motor skills in a fun environment of games and activities. Children join the programme as individuals, not as a team, and the emphasis is on participation, developing skills and having fun.

The main objective of Nettas is:

• To foster positive attitudes towards physical activity and sport.
• To help the children develop a love of netball.
• A means to learn about sportsmanship, teamwork & fair play.
• Enhance health and fitness
• Improve athletic skills.
• Developing confidence & interpersonal skills
• Fun & enjoyment for all participants.

It is great to see so many children with great positive attitudes and eager to play the game.

Anne Noonan.
Nettas Coach