Netball trophy visit inspires future stars

THE Suncorp Super Netball trophy visited Black Hill Primary School last week ahead of the grand final, which was played on Saturday night at Rod Laver Arena and won by the Melbourne Vixens in a one-point-the-difference nailbiter.

The event aimed to inspire young netballers, and students were able to touch the trophy and took part in netball drills.

Year 6 student Lola said she was grateful for the visit and enjoyed the opportunity to get close to the trophy.

“I have always played netball since a young age, my family plays, and it’s just cool seeing that they’ve taken the time out of their day to come,” she said.

“[Touching the trophy] was really cool, I’ve never done anything like that.

“Just looking at it, it looks really heavy.”

The group of students learnt from Netball Australia’s participation projects manager Deanna Stainer.

They focused on stretching, landing and warming up the knees to avoid injury, as well as passing and catching skills.

Ms Stainer said she hopes the visit may encourage the students to pursue netball.

“It’s something to aspire to, it’s not often you get to see a premiership trophy,” she said.

“It’s been really exciting to see the excitement around netball being in Melbourne for the grand final and more importantly getting the kids out and about to get active.”