Sixty netballers from throughout the Mid North braved the cool weather, with teams split into U13, U15 and U17.

“The academy helps to develop talented players,” head coach, Deb Heinjus said.

Training is held at Balaklava, Clare and Jamestown, before regional championship selection is made. The top 10-12 players are selected to play in Adelaide during July.

According to Deb, the academy is not all about sport, players learn about time management and nutrition.

The academy scheme is nationwide and the Northern Region Netball Academy has been running for two years.

“It’s giving country kids the opportunity to reach State level,” Deb said.

Regular fitness training is undertaken for players and the academy also runs development programs for coaches and umpires.

Trainee umpires Sandra Spaeth, Jane Lehmann, Carly Foulis, Emma Ayliffe, Anita Hook and Lucy Affolter, while coaches are Julie McPharlin, Paula Noack, Nickie Mead, Kelly McInerney, Amy Jordan and Jenny Parish.

Deb Heinjus is head coach, Vicki Renshaw (Jamestown) programme manager, Bernadette Stringer (Mundoora) assistant coach and Millie Foulis (BMW) as head umpire.

“Education goes right across the board … what is learnt here goes back to local clubs, helping to make those clubs stronger and more knowledgeable,” Deb said.

In 2007 the Northern Region Netball Academy was successful in having two U17, two U15 and three U17 reserve players selected in the State Country side. Two U13 players were chosen for the Top 20 U13 players.

Major sponsors of the academy are Webb Tyres in Jamestown, who help with the purchase of equipment and training shirts.

“In 2008 we are endeavouring to get the message across to coaches and players at club level,” Deb said.

“It’s lots of fun and everyone enjoys it.”

Sunday’s training in Clare saw 45 coaches from the district participate in coaching training, helping clubs to develop specific training drills and to be able to clearly observe every player.